Meet a G.N.O.M.E. donating homegrown produce in Highlands Ranch, CO
Our Giving GNOMEs may have different approaches to gardening, but they all agree that Growing Nutritious and Outrageously-fresh Meals for Everyone is a meaningful way to give back to their communities. We're highlighting a few of their stories.
"Growing food also grows community in my experience so it’s a win-win."
1. In 2-3 sentences, tell us a little about you and your garden.
Tiny but mighty home garden in containers where I rent. It’s been a challenge and a delight to see what I can do with what is available to me. I do mostly herbs and the easy peasy guaranteed growers like zukes, cukes, onions, & toms. Grateful for the nutrition & unique fun of each plant variety!
2. What motivates you to grow and share your homegrown produce?
Growing food also grows community in my experience so it’s a win-win... The outcomes of the whole process are healthy food for self & others, healthy friendships, sharing knowledge & skill building together, independence from risky food/government systems, sunshine, creature connection, and so much more. Can’t beat it as wise action goes!
3. Tell us about your proudest gardening moment.
The day I grew a 10’ sunflower…in a pot lol. As a kiddo, I’d dreamt of fields of those all smiling at me. Then finally I had the chance to grow one mammoth of my very own to stand under and smile back at :D
4. What garden tool can you not live without?
Repurposing old tree branches as stakes. Gosh, you know you’ll need some during growing season so why not collect and set aside a bundle throughout the year. They come in handy for so much more too, fencing, quick hole dig, hammering, etc.
5. What piece of advice would you give a beginning gardener?
Just start. Sure, do a little research and ask around a bit but then just start. You’ll learn as you do, and that’s a really connective piece and part of the joy of this process!