How One Gardener’s Neighbors Shared Their Land to Help Her Start a Flower Business

In Memphis, Marisa Mender-Franklin has taken the concept of community gardening to a new level by turning her dream of owning a flower shop into a thriving reality. She has done this by leveraging social media and a network of willing neighbors.

Mender-Franklin’s model is inspired by Canadian flower gardener Sarah Nixon. It relies on neighbors sharing not just tools or harvests but entire garden beds, creating a shared sense of purpose and belonging that has transformed lives. The key to her success lies in formal agreements with each landowner, which spell out everything from boundaries and water costs to maintenance responsibilities.

These leases ensure that both parties know exactly what’s expected of them, mitigating potential risks such as disputes over issues like water usage or pest control. Mender-Franklin is clear: these agreements are designed to benefit everyone involved. By fostering a sense of community among her “landowners,” many of whom had previously neglected their gardens, Mender-Franklin has created a network of gardens that stretches across an entire neighborhood.

The use of social media platforms like Facebook groups has been instrumental in connecting Mender-Franklin with potential partners and landowners. By tapping into these existing networks, she’s been able to reach out to an unprecedented number of people and create a platform for others to replicate her success.

Community gardening is not new; it has been around for decades. From the city gardens of 19th-century Europe to modern-day urban farms in cities like New York and Los Angeles, this concept recognizes the value of shared spaces as a way to build connections between people. However, Mender-Franklin’s model stands out due to its reliance on social media.

Mender-Franklin’s experience highlights the power of social media as a tool for building connections and fostering collaboration – even among people who may not have met otherwise. It also underscores the importance of clear communication and shared goals in making these partnerships work. As Mender-Franklin notes, “It’s such a gift to the community to have their land turned into a farm” – but it’s also a reminder that this process requires effort and commitment from all parties involved.

Mender-Franklin’s model offers a powerful example of what can happen when community comes together – not just around a shared plot but also in pursuit of a common vision. As she puts it, “Well, community and an unhinged belief in our ability to figure it out.”