As someone who’s always found joy in gardening, joining the Diversey Community Garden has been an incredibly fulfilling experience for me. There’s something truly special about working alongside my neighbors to create a green space that’s both beautiful and beneficial to our urban environment.

So, I’m excited to share my story in the hopes that it might inspire others to get involved in their own communities, whether by joining a local garden or even starting one from scratch.

Community gardens are more than just places to grow plants; they’re vibrant hubs where people come together, connect, and cultivate a shared sense of purpose.

A Growing Movement

The Origin of the Diversey Community Garden

The Diversey Community Garden didn’t start as a sprawling green space; it began as a seed of an idea shared by a few dedicated neighbors. With a vision to turn an underused patch of land into something vibrant, this group reached out to the local Alderman’s office and the Chicago Park District. Their efforts led to securing a small plot of land where the garden could take root.

Over time, this humble beginning has flourished into a thriving community garden. Local businesses have played a vital role, too. A nearby restaurant provides us with access to water and storage space for shared tools, and even hosts seasonal events that bring the community together. Today, the garden is a testament to what can be achieved when neighbors, volunteers, and local businesses come together with a shared passion for growing.

Getting My Hands in the Soil

A New Community Gardener’s Journey

As a new member of the Diversey Community Garden, I’ve been amazed by the sense of community that permeates this space. I’ve joined fellow gardeners in tending to my own small plot, as well as the pollinator beds that are such a key feature of our garden. This summer has been particularly rewarding, as I’ve had the opportunity to immerse myself in caring for these native plants and watch them transform the landscape.

Working in the pollinator beds has allowed me to connect with both the earth and my fellow Chicagoans. Weeding, planting, and maintaining these beds isn’t just about gardening—it’s about fostering relationships and learning from each other.

It’s been a joy to see how the garden has become more than just a collection of plants; it’s a lively community hub where people come together to share their passion for green spaces and environmental stewardship.

Pollinator Beds

A Sanctuary in the City

The pollinator beds are more than just a pretty spot in our garden. They serve a critical ecological purpose, supporting a diverse array of bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects. As an official Monarch Waystation, our garden plays a vital role in providing food and habitat for these essential creatures, even in the midst of our bustling urban environment.

Each time I work in these beds, I’m reminded of the important role that community gardens play in cities. They are sanctuaries not only for wildlife but for people, too—a place where we can escape the hustle and bustle, connect with nature, and contribute to the health of our local ecosystem. The transformation I’ve witnessed in our pollinator beds, as they draw in more pollinators and grow ever more vibrant, is a testament to the power of collective effort.

Read about my friend Lorraine, who has made an incredible impact with her dedication to the pollinator beds at the Diversey Community Garden.

Growing Together

The Heart of Community Gardening

There’s a unique joy in watching a community garden grow, not just in size but in spirit. Whether it’s sharing tips on growing tomatoes, organizing a workday to tackle a particularly large project like spreading mulch or building new beds, or simply chatting with a neighbor over the garden beds, these small interactions add up to something truly special. The garden has become a gathering place, where people of all ages and backgrounds come together to connect over a shared love of plants and gardening.

As someone who has recently joined this community, I feel incredibly grateful for the hard work and dedication of those who came before me. They’ve laid the groundwork—quite literally—that allows us to enjoy this beautiful space today. I’m honored to be a part of this ongoing story, helping to nurture a place that’s much more than the sum of its parts.

The Power of Plants

Building Community

Community gardens like Diversey show that even in dense urban environments, there’s room for green spaces that bring people together. They’re proof that a small group of dedicated individuals can make a big difference, not just for themselves but for the whole neighborhood. These gardens are more than just places to grow food—they’re spaces for connection, learning, and community.

If you’ve ever considered joining a community garden, I can’t recommend it enough. Here's one place to see if there's a community garden near you. And here's a list of community gardens in Chicago. It’s an opportunity to dig into the soil, make new friends, and contribute to something truly meaningful. Whether you’re interested in growing your own vegetables, supporting local pollinators, or simply looking for a way to connect with your neighbors, community gardens offer a unique way to get involved.

In a city like Chicago, where green space can be scarce, these gardens are precious oases that remind us of the power of community. They’re living proof that when people come together with a shared vision, they can cultivate not just plants, but something far more enduring.

Get Connected

Bringing Your Garden Community Closer Together

For those of you who are already part of a community garden, I’d love to help you deepen those connections. The Pistils & Pollen app is available in the App Store and on Google Play. It's a great tool to bring your garden community closer together.

If your garden would benefit from a private chat group where you can share photos, resources, and updates, feel free to reach out directly through the app. I’m happy to help you get set up, so your community garden can thrive both in and out of the soil. After all, gardening is about growing together in every sense of the word.

James