My Pandemic Garden Although I have a garden at home, a.k.a. my Food Forest, I also have plots at the Wangaratta Community Garden. Over the past two years, I’ve sought more refuge there than usual, and I wasn’t alone. Pandemic gardening was a trend that really bloomed during that time. [1] A community garden is a space where gardeners can rent plots to grow nutritious produce. I’ve discovered that extraordinary things grow at community gardens; food, weeds, and – of course – community. It’s a place where friendships flourish, ideas blossom and happiness grows. Much is written about the health benefits of gardening. It’s relaxing and calming, and because the changes in the garden happen so slowly, it’s hard to panic or be overly busy while you’re there. A great deal of research also shows how community gardens reduce crime [2] , preserve green space, stimulate social interaction and community development, encourage self-reliance and beautify neighbourhoods; all ...