“Five or six years ago, community gardening kind of lagged. But people are into the more natural growing of things now and it’s a hobby for a lot of people.” – Bill Wald, membership services director, Illinois Park and Recreation Association, Winfield
“Gardening gets to the soul. It brings us back to the simpler things … in our lives. When you garden you get a result, and that can lead to connections between people.” – Matthew Frazel, supervisor of horticultural therapy, Chicago Botanic Garden, Glencoe
“People who garden have this commonality. It helps people bridge gaps. That’s really encouraged and fostered in a community garden.” – Vernon Bryant, horticulture educator, University of Illinois Extension Service, Chicago
“My husband (rented a garden plot) because he didn’t want to dig our yard up. You’ve got to save that little bit of yard you have for the kids to play in.” – Marsha Bechtold, receptionist, Rolling Meadows Park District
