Jessica Gazzola

I’m frugal. It’s both my nature and the result of working for churches and nonprofits my entire adult life. It can be hard for me to spend money on things deemed necessary.  So when it was time to turn our mud puddle of a yard into something more inviting I struggled.  “I need green growing things!  I know where I can buy green growing things.    BUT there are green growing things EVERYWHERE!  Flowers grew here before the Home Depot Garden Center existed.  How do I get them to grow in my little mud puddle without shelling out the big bucks?”

And so began my quest.  I set out on my own.  I pulled pretty plants out of alley cracks only to have them wither in my soil (they probably would have been happier with roots).  I tried throwing seeds into a pot, but they didn’t seem to like it in the hot sun without water (oops!  I’m a descent parent to humans, but can be a neglectful plant parent).

Growth finally happened when I cracked and admitted my struggle out loud.  I talked about my vision for an oasis of green with my neighbors and my friends.  When I stopped trying to do it myself people popped into my life.  Turns out fairies live among us!  The hands of the most ordinary folk have the power to coax breathtaking beauty from the dirt.  AND they’re willing to share their secrets!  I’m waiting to spot their wings as they turn to say good-bye.

From neighbors, friends, and closeted garden fairies the slice of earth given to my care is beginning to green!  I’m most attracted to the varieties of plants that resemble the people that give them to me… strong, hearty, survivors of adversity, and keepers of incredible beauty when you give them time to unfold.

Here’s my shade garden…

And my fairy log (in honor of all the magic people in my life).  My loving husband rolled this log I found half-way down our ally.  Thanks, babe!…

And my native plant berm.  The ornamental onions aren’t native, but aren’t they fun?  They look like something from Dr. Seuss…

And sweet berries (strawberry and blackberry)….

Each plant is the child of a plant that grew in the yards of magic people around me.  My yard is like a first apartment for some of these baby plants… their first time away from home.   I’m trying to help them feel safe so they can grow into their full potential!  My plants and I like it when the fairies come to visit… it’s comforting to see a familiar face wise with experience (although sometimes we still pretend we don’t need advice… silly pride!).

My garden is a dynamic work in progress, like my community.  Where scarcity once ruled the land, abundance bursts from dead little husks.  I haven’t yet earned my fairy wings, but happy green shoots will reveal their magic over time; and then, look out!  Gifts of beauty may appear where you least expect them!  Why not grow a community… garden?!