Monday, December 15, 2025

Gardening in Community by Kristi Jones

 

RDNE Stock project

Gardening in Community

A patchwork of garden plots, divided by chicken wire fences

Tomato cages and bean trellises sprout up from the soil

In spring, the gardens boast neat rows of pale green lettuce

In summer huge, prolific zucchini plants abound

In fall, unruly squash vines take over garden plots

Every gardener plants uniquely different crops

Some people grow Big Boy tomatoes and bush beans

Others nurture long Asian squash from their homeland

Microbes flourish in a communal compost pile nearby

Happy pollinators buzz and flit everywhere

Community gardens make space for those without yard space

Sunny, chemical-free space for growing food and flowers

Sacred, holy, joyful space 

Space that welcomes novice gardeners and skilled green thumbs alike Space filled with hope for thriving plants and abundant harvest 


© Kristi Jones


Kristi Jones

Kristi Jones is an emerging poet who lives, works, plays, and writes in Madison, WI. Her poems have been published in KFF Health News.  She loves spending time in her community garden plot, even when it involves non-stop weeding.  She holds a BA from St Olaf College. 




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