community gardens

New HOA Crackdowns Are Targeting Backyard Gardens in 2026

February 5, 2026 by Brandon Marcus Leave a Comment

Once upon a time, the biggest HOA battles were about mailbox colors and lawn height. Fast forward to 2026, and a new, much more personal fight is growing—literally. Backyard gardens, once celebrated as wholesome, sustainable, and neighbor-friendly, are increasingly landing in the crosshairs of homeowner’s associations across the country. For many residents, that small patch…

Benefits of Community Gardens

February 14, 2022 by Kathryn Vercillo Leave a Comment

I live in an apartment in San Francisco. I have a porch, windowsills with different light levels, and some counter space to do any gardening that I’d like to do. However, I don’t have a yard. Therefore, if I wanted to get serious about outdoor gardening, I would need to explore other options. That’s gotten…

How To Get Free Seeds From The Government by Amanda Blankenship Seeds might seem like a small expense, but any seasoned…
Should I Use Enviro Ice On My Plants? by Kathryn Vercillo Every week, I receive food from Hungryroot. It's a great…
From Trash to Treasure: Transform Shredded Paper Into Garden Gold by Amanda Blankenship Should you use shredded paper as garden mulch? It might…
What Happens to Plants If You Use Enviro Ice on Them? by Amanda Blankenship About a year ago, I wrote our first article about…

9 Plants That Can Handle Neglect Better Than Most

Life gets busy, schedules fill up, and plant care often slips to the bottom of the to-do list. That reality leaves many people staring at a sad pot of wilted leaves and wondering if they simply lack a green thumb. Fortunately, some plants seem almost determined to survive regardless of occasional forgetfulness. The best low-maintenance…

10 Flowers That Bloom Even During Extreme Heat

When summer turns into a full-on heat test, many gardens start to look tired, wilted, and ready to give up. Some flowers curl up at the first sign of intense sun, while others seem to laugh at scorching afternoons. These heat-loving blooms bring color, life, and energy right when landscapes need it most. Gardeners often…

The Budget Backyard Trend That Makes Homes Feel More Relaxing

Backyards have quietly become some of the most valuable spaces around the home. While expensive outdoor kitchens and luxury landscaping grab attention on television, a much simpler trend has captured the interest of homeowners who want a peaceful outdoor escape without a hefty price tag. The secret is surprisingly straightforward: creating garden rooms with plants,…

7 Plants That Help Keep Outdoor Spaces Cooler Naturally

Summer sunshine can make a backyard feel inviting one minute and scorching the next. While umbrellas, awnings, and fans certainly help, many gardeners overlook one of nature’s best cooling systems: plants. The right trees, shrubs, vines, and ground covers can lower temperatures around patios, walkways, and outdoor gathering spaces while adding beauty and character to…