Past generations grew much of their food to save money and increase security. While we yearn for the nostalgia of these gardens, the weeding, watering, and constant maintenance does not lend itself well to busy lives. We can lessen work and improve upon the Victory Garden model by incorporating ecological principles.

At one time, food was free. Healthy ecosystems yielded food, clean water, fertile soil, wellness, and beauty for people and all Earth’s critters. These landscapes did not need to be replanted each year, required little weeding, and naturally withstood stresses from drought and pests. In addition to this zero-maintenance security, immersion in these thriving habitats taught people how to sustain and enhance the abundance.

Through projects and partnerships, Backyard Abundance is designing landscapes that provide these time-saving, money-saving, environmentally-beneficial qualities to help you create similar gardens in your own yard.

Many residents, childcares, and partner organizations have asked us to design these abundant spaces and examples can be seen at the Iowa City Recreation Center, 220 South Gilbert Street, and the nearby New Pioneer Food Co-op Administration Building at 523 Iowa Avenue. (See our portfolio for locations of additional examples.)

Throughout the year we will provide many opportunities for you to experience this low-maintenance way of growing food. The April 30 plant sale features many of the resilient plants used in the designs. In late spring, a community forum will be held with the Arbor Day Foundation as we help them scale their Nature Explore program to the residential level (more details will be provided in May).