Say hello to Gwenda Gibson — backyard grower, local food enthusiast, and urban gardener.

Say hello to Gwenda Gibson — Urban Gardener.

Gwenda has found a way to create something meaningful while doing what she enjoys. She is an inspiring example of how deck space and backyard gardens can challenge poor food policies and practices, and bring healthier options home. For years, Gwenda has sown into the lives of young people in early childhood education-mentoring, guiding, and helping them grow into their full potential. Now she's sowing seeds into herself and her family with some old-fashioned urban agriculture, and the harvest is looking rich.

Sowing Seeds

We learned from Gwenda that she has some experience in urban growing. About two years ago, she started a garden on her back deck, growing delicious items such as strawberries, tomatoes, bell peppers, cucumbers, and more. This year, she expanded her garden to include red and white onions, ghost peppers, cilantro, cabbage, lettuce, basil, rosemary, mint, and more. She's even experimenting with fruit trees- lemon, mango, avocado, and pineapple- bringing tropical possibilities to her urban space. She also shared that she one day hopes to give food to those in need. That's a great goal, Gwenda, and it speaks to who you are as a person. During the interview, she also mentioned being interested in pollination and compatible plants and herbs (companion planting). We hope to have that information on the website for you very shortly, but until then, there are many reputable sources on the web. One resource is your local cooperative extension office.

Purpose Behind the Planting

Gwenda shared with us that observing how fragile our food systems are has added to her motivation to grow her food. Administrative policies, inflation, shipping delays, and food containers stranded at ports are not just new stories- they are signs, and they cause anxiety. Rather than wait for shelves to refill or prices to drop, Gwenda is growing what she can right at home -on her back deck and in her backyard.

When you step onto Gwenda's back deck, you're stepping into more than a garden -You're stepping into a story. One of growth, resilience, and a beautiful kind of determination to overcome systemic issues in our food chain and provide safe, healthy, and accessible food for herself and her family.

Urban Gardening, a Great Teacher

Gwenda also shared that she understands that growing food is more than just tossing seeds into soil. It often requires patience, trial and error, and sometimes a little research. Still, she embraced the process with curiosity and faith. She's learned that urban gardening is a great teacher, showing her how to use what's already available- land, containers, time, creativity- and make something nourishing from it. From potatoes in laundry baskets to carrots and onions in small totes, she's astounded by the unconventional ways people are growing food in their urban spaces. She believes the creativity that people are demonstrating is amazing.

Kind Words From a Friend

We are very thankful that Gwenda has allowed us some insight into her growing space. Her spirit of generosity and eagerness to grow alongside others shines in the message she recently sent us:

“I would like to thank Grow With Us LLC for your unyielding support in leading and teaching one. You have given invaluable teaching in various gardening techniques, such as soil pH, seedling development, transferring seeds, and so much more. You have given me great direction. I could not have done it without you. Thank you so much and God bless you.”

To that, we say, Gwenda, thank you for trusting us with part of your journey and for asking questions with enthusiasm and sincerity. You are exactly why we do what we do. Your kind words fuel our mission, and your example encourages others to start where they are. Don't hesitate to share you're knowledge-you'd be surprised how much you already have to offer without even needing research. and because every urban growing experience is unique, we stand to learn from you as well.

Your garden space is beautiful, and we can't wait to see the fruits of your labor. We hope you'll share photos with us in the future.

And of course, a heartfelt shoutout to the other half of the dynamic Gibson duo-Don, thank you for introducing us to your amazing wife and being a great friend.

Encouragement to the Community

To our community, people grow for different reasons. Some for peace, some for food, some for beauty, some because of systemic issues, and others for many reasons, all at once. But we all have something to teach. Every person willing to share strengthens our community. So thank you again, Gwenda, for making us stronger. Also, remember that it doesn't matter whether you grow fast or slow, are a novice or pro-you never have to grow alone.

Let's grow together!