As spring approaches, many hobby gardeners unpack their planting trowels, plan their seed rows and stock up on potting soil. But some diligent gardeners work year-round, scattering seeds into the wind to add cheerful splashes of color wherever they go. These environmental activists, known as “guerrilla gardeners,” have gained popularity on social media in recent years by creating videos showing how to create a guerrilla garden, how to “clean up” empty plots of land. bombarded with seeds” and much more.

@treasurewellwisher Non-invasive species only #planttok #guerrillagardening ♬ Fairy Fountain – Mikel & GameChops

But these videos have raised numerous questions among viewers about the controversial practice: What is guerrilla gardening? Is it even legal? When did it start? Should I get involved? Consider this your friendly introduction to this longstanding activist practice.

What is Guerrilla Gardening?

Guerrilla gardening is the practice of planting the seeds of edible plants or flowers on unused or aesthetically unattractive land. This can be done with or without the consent of the property owner. Guerrilla gardening can take a variety of forms, from designing and planting traditional garden plots for an underserved community to “seed bombing,” or throwing seed balls out the car window onto a plot.

How did guerrilla gardening begin?

miriam-doerr/Getty Images

According to DenGarden.com, guerrilla gardening “has its roots in New York City in the 1970s and has since spread to other cities around the world.” The start of the movement is largely credited to activist Liz Kristy and the Green Guerrilla group. From then on, Guerrilla Gardening has spread worldwide and many key figures continue Kristy's work. Richard Reynolds, for example, is a British activist whose guerrilla gardening efforts in South London are remembered. Additionally, Ron Finley of South Central LA founded the Ron Finley Project to teach guerrilla gardening techniques.

What are some examples of guerrilla gardening?

Many established community gardens across America originally began as guerrilla gardens. The Liz Kristy Community Garden in Manhattan is obviously a tribute to guerrilla gardeners, but you may have also come across other guerrilla gardens such as the Garden of Hope in Philadelphia, the Green Street Community Garden in Chicago, or the Phoenix Community Garden in San Francisco.

Is guerrilla gardening legal?

Not exactly. Guerrilla gardening was viewed as an inherently illegal, anarchist act because it depended on planting and cultivating other people's land without permission. However, in recent years the definition has expanded to include those who garden on public land, often with permission. In short, the legitimacy of your guerrilla gardening practice depends on how closely you pursue it.

How can I run Guerrilla Garden legally?

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If you're a nature lover, you might be thinking about starting your own guerrilla gardening practice. While growing more plants isn't usually a bad endeavor, it's worth considering a few factors before you start sowing seeds.

As this TikToker explains, you first need to choose plants that are suitable for your region. Choose native, noninvasive varieties that won't crowd out the region's other plants.

Also, choose your location very carefully. Choose a small, uncultivated plot of land that no one owns. Discuss your gardening decision with nearby businesses or residents (yes, this takes away some of the anarchist appeal, but also ensures that you are supporting the very community you want to help).

@octaviachill Part 2 will decide what to plant! #guerrillagardening #guerrillagardening #anarchy #activism #environmentalists ♬ Original sound – Ellen Miles

Finally, call your local government to make sure you are not unknowingly violating local laws. And if guerrilla gardening still seems a little too risky for you, you can always volunteer, start a community garden, or simply share the fruits of your own labor with food pantries or others in need.

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Horizon Forbidden West went the extra mile to honor late Guerrilla Games lead producer Patrick Munnik with a special in-game memorial.

In Horizon Forbidden West, between Legacy’s Landfall and Thornmarsh, is a small island that can be reached by a series of sandbars. Scanning the island with Aloy’s focus reveals no loot to be found or machines to be hunted. It stands out from the rest of Forbidden West’s map, hiding an Easter egg that will only be revealed when Aloy steps on its shores.

Right away there is a sense that something about this island is special. No achievements or objectives are hiding there, only a fond memorial to a departed friend. This beautiful Easter egg was included to honor the late Patrick Munnik, the lead producer at Guerrilla Games until his death in 2019.

RELATED: How Horizon Forbidden West’s Best New Location Reflects Aloy’s Growth

Munnik started working for Guerrilla Games in 2011 and was the producer behind Killzone: Shadowfall and Horizon Zero Dawn. At only 44 years old, he made his mark on the gaming industry before his sudden passing. 2013’s Killzone was a PlayStation 4 launch title and 2017’s Horizon Zero Dawn was massively successful, selling over 20 million copies and receiving critical acclaim.

It is with great shock and sadness we inform you that our lead producer Patrick Munnik is no longer with us. We are eternally grateful to have had our greatly valued and much loved Patrick on our team. pic.twitter.com/IpeNvSMmht

— Guerrilla (@Guerrilla) June 13, 2019

While Guerrilla included a dedication to Munnik in Horizon Forbidden West’s ending credits, it also went the extra mile to honor his memory with an in-game location. Following a path lined by candles brings Aloy to a scenic view of the ruins of San Francisco. As Aloy sits on a woven mat, the camera pulls out to a cinematic angle.

A chorus of Utaru singers rises in the background as Aloy reads a note left at the site: “Here, we remember our friend, with a view as calming as his voice, on stone as strong as his spirit. He was not just our rock , he was our oak, sturdy and stoic, whose presence brought us comfort and whose branches touched us all. Rest in peace.” Additionally, Aloy makes comments about how the memorial “must be for a beloved friend” who “sounds like he’s truly missed.” It’s evident from this tribute that Munnik meant a great deal to the team at Guerrilla Games.

RELATED: Horizon Forbidden West: How Aloy Changes Sylens

While the note doesn’t mention a specific name, the language used indicates that it was written by a member of the Utaru tribe. The Utaru frequently use metaphors involving plants in their speech, and the note compares the departed to an oak. This is an interesting choice given the tribe’s philosophy and rituals surrounding life and death. Every Utaru has a seed pouch that they carry with them their entire lives, collecting seeds that are then planted upon their passing. This practice is symbolic of their belief in the cycle of life and death.

To the Utaru, death is natural and necessary, laying a foundation for new life to grow. The plants that grow from seed pouches of the fallen are looked after and treasured by their loved ones. To the Utaru, returning to the Earth and becoming part of that new cycle of life is sacred; from death comes new life. It seems only appropriate that the voices of the Utaru should be used to honor the departed Munnik, giving him an uplifting memorial that celebrates his life and the impact he left on those we worked with.

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About The Author

Taylor Piscitello
(10 Articles Published)

Taylor Piscitello is a life-long gamer with an extensive knowledge of video game lore and history. When it comes to character histories and lore Taylor is an expert on many popular video game franchises, and takes regular deep dives into the most interesting and obscure facets of her favorite games. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in English and served as a script writer for the YouTube Channel TheThings, providing analysis, behind-the-scenes information and trivia on pop culture topics like Marvel, DC, and Disney. She has a wide and varied taste for games ranging from Animal Crossing to Dark Souls, and she’s always eager to try out a new RPG or Roguelike. When she doesn’t have her hands on a controller Taylor enjoys role playing and the occasional crochet project.

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