4 S  Community Gardens By Melissa Hirschl chools, community centers and neighborhoods are increasingly embracing community gardens where groups cultivate their own plot of land and harvest an array of vegetables and fruits. These gardens are revitalizing communities and creating lush oases for entire neighborhoods to enjoy. Here are some popular community gardens around the Valley: DIGit.GROWit.SHAREit. 4308 N. 27th St., Phoenix Local resident Jenna Pierides founded this garden in late July of last year. The 22,000 square-foot garden was originally a large lot of untamed trees and overgrown weeds. Pierides and her team are working hard to transform the land into a thriving community garden. “It is a community effort, and so far, it’s been a miraculous experience,” said Pierides. “My desire is to bring people together to foster community and sustainability through growing food.” The garden is a co-op that encourages members to brainstorm “outside-the-box” ideas. Pierides envisions the garden will host events such as yoga classes, movie nights and art classes. For more: dgsgarden.org. DIGit.GROWit.SHAREit. was started by Jenna Pierides (second from right) in summer 2019. PHOTO COURTESY OF JENNA PIERIDES PHOTO COURTESY OF FRIENDS OF DBG COMMUNITY GARDEN Cultivating relationships with food and neighbors

5 Desert Botanical Gardens 1201 N. Galvin Pkwy., Phoenix This 140-acre cornucopia of trees, flowers and cacti from around the world also supports its own garden. David Hill, the director of DBG’s community garden, said, “We strive to showcase and share the best practices in desert gardening. We currently have 24-40 co-op gardeners and we welcome more.” Master gardeners are an integral part of the garden’s success and provide novice gardeners with expert advice. They also share garden and landscape information at home and garden festivals. Liz Mathis, master gardener at DBG, said, “I enjoy talking with people who have always wanted to plant a garden, but need some encouragement to take that first step.” DBG also offers a master gardening program. The 17-week course takes place at the University of Arizona Cooperative Extension in Phoenix. Students immerse themselves in the studies of botany, cacti supplements, composting, herbs and much more. Graduate ambassadors help educate the public at events, schools, gardens and community gatherings. For more: dbg.org. Pierson Street Community Garden/ Mountain View Park Community Garden 1822 W. Pierson St., Phoenix 9901 N. 7th Ave., Phoenix These sister-gardens, run by Keep Phoenix Beautiful, a nonprofit funded by Phoenix Public Works and corporate sponsors, provide ample opportunities for gardening and volunteering. Both offer three-quarter acre raised beds that grow kale, squash, tomatoes, carrots, radishes, beets and lettuce. According to Gail LaTour, master gardener who oversees both gardens, “these plots are ideal for families, scouts, small groups, or nonprofits that serve Vets, the homeless and seniors.” For those yearning for a more authentic farm experience, the Pierson Street Community Garden has chickens for egg harvesting and bees for honey-making. Worms are available for compost creation. Mountain View Park Community Garden has a partnership with Mountain View Elementary School and area senior centers. Inter-generational bonding experiences such as cooking classes are a prime example of the garden’s efforts to strengthen the community. What’s more, both of these gardens also donate their unused food to local food banks. For more: keepphxbeautiful.org. Along with Pierson Street and Mountain View Park, Keep Phoenix Beautiful has also partnered with Steele Indian School Park. Above is a beautification project that was hosted during Marine Week in 2015. PHOTO: LANCE CPL. DANIELLE RODRIGUES 602.399.8540 debbiefrazelle.com dfrazelle@cox.net Each Office Independently Owned and Operated A R I Z O N A J O U R N A L O F R E A L E S T A T E & B U S I N E S S leading az industry information since 1985 ARIZONA JOURNAL OF Real Estate & Business ® ANNUAL INDUSTRY AWARDS REAL ESTATE AGENT OF THE YEAR NOMINEE 2015 Debbie Frazelle | CLHMS | ABR PAST ARCADIA PTO VP PAST HOPI PTA PRESIDENT ARCADIA RESIDENT FOR OVER 30 YEARS Charming 4 BR, 2.5 BA 4,714 sq ft home on 2.5+ acres in the heart of Paradise Valley. Alluring private, tree-line drive with center courtyard and koi pond. Spacious floorplan with formal and casual dining and living areas, gourmet kitchen with lush mountain views, remodeled water pool and outdoor kitchen. 570 sq ft guest house with kitchen, bed, bath and living area. Offered at $1,899,000. This timeless property, located on a cul-de-sac is reminiscent of a modern-day version of the La Valencia Hotel in La Jolla. The 4657 sq ft main home features a stunning master suite w/fireplace, lavish BA, exercise room, children’s wing w/3 ensuite BRs. Gourmet kitchen, family room w/fireplace, separate living room w/mountain views and an elegant dining room. Cozy library/office w/built-ins. 1250 sq ft 1 BR guest house w/kitchen & great room. Park-like grounds w/pool, ramada & covered patios. Close to great schools, dining, the airport & shopping. Charming Hacienda Ranch on 2.5+ acres Exquisite Paradise Valley Estate Santa Barbara-Style Estate 9,188 sq ft. home on 1+ acre with 5 BR, 7.5 BA. Spectacular views of Camelback Mountain, Praying Monk, Phoenix Mountain Preserve and city lights. One-of-a-kind retreat with wine cellar, butler’s pantry, home theater, billiard room, media center and attached guest suite. Perfect for families. Offered at $2,999,000. Top 1% of Coldwell Banker Agents Globally COMING SOON A trusted name in Arcadia Real Estate who will go the extra mile for you. Representing students of Arizona universities, community colleges and high schools, as well as other emerging Arizona artists since 1993. 480.946.5076 . artonegalleryinc.com . 4130 n marshall way . scottsdale