What Is Guerrilla Gardening? | Household Handyman
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?
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?
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.
