The Giving Gardens

🌱 The Giving Gardens: Cultivating Community and Connection 🌱

Why We Do It

We believe that fresh, high-quality food and a welcoming community are fundamental rights—not luxuries. Even in a region blessed with fertile soil and abundant rainfall, our communities increasingly rely on shipped in food, while local gardening wisdom fades. Our ancestors understood the power of land to sustain and nurture, and we’re on a mission to revive that spirit.

As the digital age decreases face-to-face connection and community togetherness, our gardens offer a shared space where relationships blossom along with the produce. We are working hard to bring back the lost art of gardening, creating pockets of green where everyone can gather, learn, and grow.

Where We Started

Founded in 2022 by John Curtis, The Giving Gardens emerged in Macomb, Illinois, from a confluence of passions—gardening, teaching, community service, and a desire to make the world greener, when four public spaces were transformed into thriving gardens where neighbors could come together and rediscover the magic of growing food.

Before launching this public initiative, John and his wife ran a CSA farm known as Barefoot Gardens. John was not just a provider—he was the gardener, crafting edible landscapes and inviting members to harvest their take-home bounty at their leisure. This self-harvest approach fostered a unique connection where every hand-picked bite was a step toward a deeper bond with nature and one's food.

Inspired by the transformative experience at Barefoot Gardens, John envisioned a space where everyone—not just paying members—could enjoy the profound rewards of gardening. The Giving Gardens was born to share that hands-on relationship with food, opening up a world of fresh produce, learning, and community for all.

Our mission is made possible by the passionate team behind The Giving Gardens. Our dedicated crew does far more than just keep the gardens flourishing—they create an atmosphere of genuine connection and care. From tending the soil and harvesting produce, to organizing vibrant community events and keeping our online presence buzzing, every team member helps make our gardens a haven of hope and renewal.

Our success is powered by an army of volunteers, whose dedication turns our vision into everyday reality. They not only maintain the gardens, but also build the inviting atmosphere that makes every visit special. Alongside our volunteers, we are fortunate to have AmeriCorps members—recruited through IIRA and the Fellows Program in Rural Community Development—who help to coordinate our efforts and projects.

Our home base is the First Presbyterian Church of Macomb, housing our offices, tool room, seedling room, and one of our cherished public-access gardens. The church also serves as our fiscal sponsor, reinforcing our community roots as we continue to grow and nurture local spaces.

How We Do It

We don’t just dream of abundance—we cultivate it. At The Giving Gardens, residents can freely harvest vegetables, berries, herbs, and even cut flowers, experiencing nature’s bounty firsthand. We pride ourselves on offering unique, culturally diverse varieties that you simply won’t find in your average grocery store. Picture the wonder on a child’s face as they taste a freshly picked, juicy raspberry for the very first time—that’s the kind of magic we’re here to create.

But our work doesn’t stop at the garden gate. We’re dedicated to educating the next generation of green thumbs through hands-on workshops, live demonstrations, and community events that celebrate the joy of gardening. We also partner with local organizations and donate produce to food pantries, ensuring high-quality food reaches those who need it most.

Every planted seed is a promise of renewal; every harvest, a celebration of community. 

What's Next

At The Giving Gardens, we envision a future where every town is graced with a vibrant community garden, a green sanctuary that nourishes both body and community spirit. With bold plans ahead, we're working to secure new sites, create dedicated community tool sharing hubs, and expand out greenhouse spaces to boost crop production for local residents and food pantry contributions.

In addition, we're developing a comprehensive video curriculum to empower others with the knowledge to replicate our journey and cultivate their own thriving gardens. Your generous support makes these initiatives possible, transforming seeds of ambition into lasting community impact. By donating, you're not just giving to a garden, you're investing in a movement that nourishes, connects, and uplifts. 

Join us in turning dreams into flourishing realities, and help build a legacy of growth and giving for generations to come.

Donate today and help us garden a brighter tomorrow!