Moving from a suburban house with plenty of room for gardening, to a condo in a high-rise with no private outdoor space can be a challenge for someone who enjoys a bit of gardening.
One of the first things we did when we had a San Francisco address, (two years before we moved in) was to put our name on the waiting list for a garden plot at the Fort Mason Community Garden. Time passes, in our case 7-1/2 years, and finally we were awarded a plot, which we've enjoyed now for about 4 years.
In our 5' x 20' plot we have: one lemon tree, numerous herbs (rosemary, lavender, oregano, several types of thyme and sages,) two gorgeous rose bushes, a number of dahlias (the official flower of San Francisco) nasturtiums, a geranium, day lilies, tulips, daffodils, California poppies (our state flower), two cherry tomatoes, a squash, sugar-snap peas, and assorted annual flowers.
Seeing what flourishes and what struggles is an adventure--as was growing a sunflower this year (I'd say it flourished!) Enjoying the beauty of others' plots as well as our own, a delight. (The orange dahlias pictured are from another's plot.) Gardening in a completely organic garden that attracts butterflies, bees, and birds, happiness.
Learning from others, sharing cuttings, bulbs and plants, working together, forming friendships - all benefits of community gardening. And walking home, carrying a bouquet of cut flowers for the house elicits smiles and conversations from people we meet.
If you would like to move to an urban setting, there are many ways to find outdoor space and beauty. Call me; let's talk.
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