October 1, 2014

If it can be done in San Diego during a drought, it can be done anywhere.

So what is Guerrilla Gardening? From the LA Guerrilla Gardening website:

The illicit cultivation of someone else’s land.
– Richard Reynolds
Gardening public space with or without permission.
– David Tracey

Near where I work in the Serra Mesa neighborhood of San Diego a guerrilla gardener (who I finally met) transformed a 4 foot by 600 foot strip of land into a succulent garden over the past year.

He began in a shadier area under some eucalyptus trees, where most plants don’t grow well. Few people walk by this area. Perhaps, he was emboldened by his success. Gradually, he expanded along the wide sidewalk connecting two streets where I walk several times a week.

Mulch, leaves, and mounded soil replaced waist-high weeds, dog poop and trash. Then, donated plants–leftovers, really appeared and a garden gradually took root. 

Winter rains would have helped the new garden but they were scant last year. When the remnants of a hurricane passed over San Diego a few weeks ago, this neighborhood had 50 mph winds and received over an inch of rain. The garden fared well.

I hope to see the guerrilla gardener again. He told me he’s done other rogue gardens around the area. I’d like to check them out. I’ve left him a few extra succulents from my garden.

So is there a little patch of neglected soil near where you live or walk that needs some love–maybe some wildflower seeds or succulents? 

Read my earlier post on Sunflower Guerilla Garden Day, May 1st

If you need more inspiration read Miss Rumphius  or view the audio book on YouTube.