Tell me if this sounds familiar: You’re in a community garden, a plant shop or maybe in your own front yard, and a fellow gardener/shopper/neighbor stops to say, “I’ve had great luck with that type of tomato,” or “that’s a great plant but do make sure it gets lots of light,” or “I just love when your redbud blossoms each spring.” You may chat for a while, learn that your kids go to the same school, you’re both fans of macrame. Maybe you’ll see each other around sometime.
Gardens and gardening have a tendency to remove barriers to social interactions. Even the most stoic and introverted among us will discuss the pros and cons of installing and maintaining drip irrigation or the best method to stake tomatoes. Why is that? Maybe it dates back to when sharing information among your tribe about the closest watering hole and what berries not to eat was a matter of life and death. Nature wills us to connect with each other, nurturing a sense of common good.
In the modern world, our social interactions are increasingly taking place via digital screens. Places that once were frequented in person to foster community and a sense of belonging—“third spaces” such as churches, social clubs, community gatherings—are experiencing declining attendance and a lack of interest. More and more often those places of congregation are being filled by gardens, outdoor spaces, garden centers, and plant shops. All things garden are the new “third space.”
What Is a “Third Space?”
A “third space” implies there are first and second spaces, too. Let’s start with those. The “first space” is one’s home, family, and the domestic sphere. A “second space” is the sphere of civic participation, such as school or work. These two spaces ask something of us—to be a part of a family, to contribute to society, and to shoulder responsibilities for ourselves and others.
The “third space” is a place outside the home and civic participation where one can act out their true selves without the duty of home or profession. It’s a place to let your hair down, so to speak, and enjoy the company of others—or just enjoy time with yourself. Think of a park with some chess boards set up, or the corner stools at Cheers. With interest in gardening skyrocketing as a secondary effect of the pandemic, garden-related spaces such as neighborhood gardens and plant shops are the latest popular spots for hanging out and having some chill fun.
A Reason for Disconnection
Members of Gen Z (folks who were born between 1997 and 2012) have been dubbed digital natives. Essentially born with screens and mobile devices at the ready, they are adept at using technology for communication and collaboration for pretty much all aspects of their lives. Even though they are constantly connected via digital means, they are more disconnected from the benefits of in-person social interactions than previous generations. Pair that with remote work environments and the emotional overwhelm that is social media, and it is easy to see how younger generations (and older ones too) can be experiencing loneliness and other mental health issues.
Gardening As Opportunities for Connection
Plant-filled environments to the rescue! Scientific research has shown that even a single houseplant can improve mood, relieve stress, and make us feel restored. Place a person among lots of plants and let the healing and chilling begin. And the act of gardening, with its movement and mental concentration—is therapeutic itself. There is even some evidence that getting your hands in contact with soil microbes can have a positive impact on your body and mind.
Place a person among plants and other people, and that’s when that green space turns into a “third space.” Tend a plot within a community garden and you’ll be working alongside other gardeners, sharing tips, solving problems, and likely sharing a cookout or two.
Shops Can Be Third Spaces, Too
Plant shops and their larger garden center counterparts are other opportunities to join in a garden-centric community. Some garden centers offer a warm setting for yoga among the houseplants in the chill of winter. Others might offer a corner of their in-bloom nursery to a painting class, and some even go to the lengths of setting up that Cheers-like café and bar scenario. At these plant shops, it’s not just about the plants. It’s about growing a community.
Amanda Thomsen, founder of Aster Gardens in Lemont, Illinois, created a plant shop based on a space where she would want to be among plants.
“Because anyone can shop anywhere and have a transactional experience, I’m trying to provide a feeling and service that feels more real (because it is!),” Amanda says of the direction she has taken with her store. “There are all sorts of things that have sort of ‘filled my pockets’ to be able to provide services that aren’t available in this village. Things like our quarterly clothing swap, weekly farmers markets, winter solstice event or just keeping kids busy and comfortable while their parents are busy shopping.”
Even without the weekly markets, special events and general customer (and child) engagement, Aster Gardens serves the community as a comfortable, welcoming, and relaxing space. It might not be spa- or yoga studio-level relaxing, but it’s definitely a space where you can plunk yourself down on the couch, put your phone away, and chat with fellow plant lovers to your heart’s content.
Lush Spaces to Live and Learn
The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society (PHS) has been offering plant-forward “third spaces” in Philadelphia since 2014. They have created two seasonal Pop-Up Garden experiences, both on previously vacant neighborhood lots. Offering food and beverages among lushly planted landscapes, these spaces also include community garden space, free and ticketed events such as music, plant swaps, and art and gardening classes.
“PHS created the Pop Up Gardens on South Street and in Manayunk to further deliver on one of our mission-driven impact priorities—connecting people with horticulture and with each other, said PHS Associate Director of Activation, Cristina Tessaro. “The Pop Up Gardens offer the perfect venue to spend time with friends and loved ones, enjoy refreshing cocktails and delicious snacks, all while being surrounded by lush gardens.” In addition to the opportunity to eat, drink and be merry in these spaces, visitors can be inspired by horticultural and garden-adjacent events and carry those experiences with them long after their visit has ended. Proceeds from these Pop-Ups go back into supporting PHS efforts to plant trees, run community gardens, “clean and green” vacant land and generally improve the health and well-being of Philadelphia’s citizens, Cristina added.
