Inspired by Little Free Libraries, Little Free Garden stalls are springing up across Arizona to offer seeds, plant cuttings, and food to the community. It all started with Dephane Marcelle, who held semen fairs at home. “I would take home the extra seeds in my free library for the neighbors,” says Marcelle. Along with their love of gardening, three other women gave away their extra plants after pruning their gardens. After the group grew to six, they officially launched the Little Free Garden Stands of Arizona in October 2020. Since then, the number of stands has grown to 105 and the members on their Facebook page to 11,000. Participants place seeds or cuttings in boxes at the Little Free Library or in front of their homes. I Support Local Community Journalism Support the independent voice of Phoenix and help keep the future of the New Times free. Two administrators and some moderators run the site. The group includes documents explaining the rules and a map of the stalls available, found throughout the valley as well as outside the valley, in places like Coolidge, Superior, Show Low, and Tucson. It also lists items suitable for the stands (ziplock bags, coin envelopes, fruits and herbs, seeds, gardening books, worm castings, etc.) promoting the group and community. A separate document even covers setting up an LFG if you have an HOA. Members usually leave photos of the stands they have just visited or objects that have been handed in. Stalls range from tables to colorful shelves. This includes seeds, cuttings, herbs, pots, fertilizer, fresh eggs, baked goods, and gardening books. You drive to the booth of your choice, pick up an item and leave something behind if you have it. Leaving is not a requirement. “We just want to promote love and kindness and connect with our community and our neighbors,” says Marcelle. The Facebook group also connects people. People thank each other and ask questions about plants they have collected. Although most of the members come from 23 cities in Arizona (Marcelle hopes Sedona and Flagstaff will join soon), the group has drawn members from the United States and around the world. Marcelle is now inviting other avid gardeners from other states and countries to start Little Free Gardens. So far, California and Texas have followed suit. Gardeners in New York, Oregon, Australia and Africa have also expressed interest. “We want this to be a global thing,” says Marcelle. “But we need more people to help. Most people don’t know us. As soon as you find out, we would be happy if you participate. We want it to be a joy, not a job. ”For more information about the booths or how to start your own, visit the The Little Free Gardens of Arizona Facebook page.
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