The Dirt on Guerrilla Gardening:

 

What is Guerrilla Gardening?

Simply put, guerrilla gardening is growing plants on a piece of property that does not belong to you.

Who are Guerrilla Gardeners?

Guerrilla gardeners come from all walks of life and age groups but basically they are plant lovers who seek to improve the area in which they live by using nature as live graffiti on neglected properties.

Why is it called “Guerrilla” Gardening?

A Guerrilla is defined as a member of a small independent group taking part in irregular fighting, typically against larger regular forces. Yep, that describes my gardening style perfectly, when it comes to gardening it is me against Mother Nature!
Some cities have laws against guerrilla gardening making it illegal and they can impose large fines if you are caught. Quite frankly it’s no wonder with all the thieving, drunkenness, killing and hiding the evidence that is going on! Of course it might have something to do with the seed bombing too!

Where should you Guerrilla Garden?

Great targets are ditches, lane ways, traffic circles; unused pieces of common property at your strata complex……. the possibilities are endless.

Do you need to get permission?

Asking for permission to garden on public or common property can turn into a bureaucracy of permits and red tape. My life experience has taught me that it’s easier to beg forgiveness than ask permission, but it never hurts to have bail money on hand just in case!

Should you be part of an organized group or work alone?

There is no right or wrong, it’s strictly a personal choice.
I used to spend most of my working hours in a cube farm at Some-Sad-Company with hundreds of other people, where meetings, organizational structure and schedules were the bane of my existence. So, when it comes to guerrilla gardening, I’m like Rambo!
It’s usually a solo mission, but I have some excellent accomplices I can call on anytime and who are more than willing to put on their Ninja shoes, act as a lookout or drive the getaway car.
Note to one of my favorite long-time accomplices (and you know who you are); the metallic sapphire blue Mustang tends to attract attention so next time we will use my car.
For those of you who are looking for a more social aspect to guerrilla gardening you can always offer your services to an existing guerrilla garden group or if none exist then maybe consider starting your own splinter group. Either way, have fun with it.

Why should you Guerrilla Garden?

Guerrilla gardening encourages recycling and beautifies the neighborhood. The plants help scrub toxins from the air and soil, and provide food for people, animals, and insects.
If that all sounds like hippy, dippy, environmental drivel to you, then maybe you can get on board with guerrilla gardening by knowing that it will improve and increase the property values in your community. Can you see the see the dollar signs yet? Cha-ching!

When should you Guerrilla Garden?

Every chance you get!

How to do it:

Working alone, I do my guerrilla gardening on impulse without much thought or planning. I have too many seeds, bought too many plants and don’t have room for any more. Then I start scoping out other people’s properties or neglected pieces of land that could use a little sprucing up and start planting or seed bombing away.  However if you are going to guerrilla garden with a bunch of people,  make a plan and make sure you have a fully stocked arsenal before commencing on your guerrilla garden mission.