
Richard Sidy is president of the Gardens for Humanity, a founding member of the Sustainability Alliance and a member of the Verde Valley Food Policy Council. To reach him, email richardvsidy@mac.com.

Gardeners in our area call September the “second spring.” Even as we are able to prepare for our fall-winter gardens, the “spring” feeling goes beyond these preparations for a new growing season. At the end of the summer monsoons, as temperatures become more moderate, and the warm-weather garden is abundant with flowers and produce, we see many signs reminiscent of spring.

Gardeners in our area call September the “second spring.” Even as we are able to prepare for our fall-winter gardens, the “spring” feeling goes beyond these preparations for a new growing season.

Usually I take a walk in my garden to get inspiration. My garden tells me what to write about. T

The early summer garden is a magnet in the morning before it gets too hot. It inspires a “to do” list of both garden delights, and work to be done. It is really about relishing each day the beautiful relationship that we have helped create.

The early summer garden is a magnet in the morning before it gets too hot. It inspires a “to do” list of both garden delights, and work to be done. It is really about relishing each day the beautiful relationship that we have helped create.

The month of May ushered in a new cycle in the garden. It began as a remnant of spring, and ended as an announcement of summer. Early May can be a precarious time for tender buds on fruit trees as cold fronts with chill winds still pay a visit.

When we give a bouquet of flowers to people who are in their sick bed, suffering emotionally, or in grief, we are practicing the most basic form of horticultural therapy.

Last month Gardens for Humanity said “Farewell” to one of its beloved elders and partners, Harvey Grady.

Gardening for me, is a process of asking and answering questions, and the answers often come from non-human beings. Taking a walk in the garden is always an inspiration. Broad patches of wild violets that I didn’t plant are growing in plac

Gardens for Humanity is part of the coalition of non-profits and educational institutions that have organized the 2023 Verde Valley Sci-Tech Festival.