The Mighty Magic of “Pocket Gardens”

“Green spaces come in all shapes and sizes — and today we’re shining a light on the littlest of ones. “Pocket gardens” can look like pots of succulents on a median, patches of flowers outside a school entrance, or pops of nature in an alleyway.
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Though the spaces themselves are small, the benefits are not, per a recent report from Grist. They can help cool concrete-filled neighborhoods, mitigate flooding, reduce noise, and attract pollinators.
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Dan Lambe, CEO of the nonprofit Arbor Day Foundation, explained: “This increasing prioritization of creating green spaces in unexpected spots and underutilized spaces in communities is not only going to be making our communities more resilient, it’s going to be making people healthier. A little bit of green goes a long way.”
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On a social level, adding life to an overlooked area can also bring neighbors together and help combat urban isolation. “There’s a gravity to this green space that brings people out,” Lambe added. “And all of a sudden, neighbors are connecting, generations are connecting, cultures are connecting. Trees are about the one thing that everybody can agree on.” Get inspiration for crafting your own tiny garden.”