The Giving Grove orchards are only as strong as the community that surrounds them! Read these inspiring and educational blogs to find out more!
At the West Dallas Multipurpose Center, a once-forgotten patch of land has quietly transformed into a thriving neighborhood orchard—thanks to the vision and perseverance of Center Manager Ashley Hutto. On this Grow North Texas storytelling trip, contributor Sarah Sikich explores how a few fruit trees sparked curiosity, restored ecological life, and reshaped a community’s relationship with its own soil.
This is the story of a garden that grows far more than food. In the heart of South Dallas, Ms. Wanda and the Cornerstone Community Garden are cultivating second chances, nurturing community, and transforming a once-vacant lot into a place of belonging. What follows is a portrait of an orchard—and a leader—proving that with enough care, people can flourish just as beautifully as the plants they tend.
Regenerative agriculture is more than a farming trend, it’s a movement to restore life to the soil, strengthen communities, and build a healthier planet from the ground up. In this blog, you’ll learn what regenerative agriculture means, how its principles are thriving in community gardens and Giving Grove orchards, and why businesses across the country are beginning to invest in these regenerative practices that give back more than they take.
When Rebecca Koop saw an abandoned lot beside her pottery studio in Kansas City’s Northeast neighborhood, she imagined more than rubble and weeds. She envisioned a place where neighbors could grow food, plant trees, and gather together. Today that vision has blossomed into the St. John Community Garden and orchard, a testament to Rebecca’s lifelong commitment to art, gardening, and community.
Detroit’s urban landscape is full of reinvention, from vacant lots turned gardens to neighbors growing community. The Urban Fruit Brigade builds on that spirit, teaching Detroiters how to care for fruit trees while strengthening the city’s food network. What began as a small volunteer effort has grown into a citywide movement of learning, teamwork, and growth.
As the growing season winds down, winter orchard care is key to ensuring your trees wake up healthy and productive in the spring. Proper winter prep reduces pests and disease, protects roots and bark, and sets the stage for strong growth next year.
Read on for a comprehensive checklist to get your orchard ready!
When Rebecca Koop saw an abandoned lot beside her pottery studio in Kansas City’s Northeast neighborhood, she imagined more than rubble and weeds. She envisioned a place where neighbors could grow food, plant trees, and gather together. Today that vision has blossomed into the St. John Community Garden and orchard, a testament to Rebecca’s lifelong commitment to art, gardening, and community.
Trees do far more than provide food or shade—they nurture our health, strengthen our communities, and shape the way we connect with one another. In this post, Ashley Vernon Williamson, the Co-Executive Director of Giving Grove reflests on the magic of trees from childhood to her work with Giving Grove, and shares compelling research from Dr. Geof Donovan that reveals just how deeply trees impact public health and community resilience.
Food forests are gaining momentum as a resilient, community-centered way to grow food while restoring ecosystems—but for many growers, knowing where to start can feel overwhelming. That’s why Katherine Favor of The Giving Grove National Orchard Advisory Committee, in partnership with leading agroforestry organizations, has developed new resources to help communities plan, design, and manage thriving forest gardens tailored to their unique sites and needs.
What do a rock concert, a childhood tree fort, and a major career shift have in common? This reflective piece explores the journey from a fast-paced career in entertainment to a more grounded life in urban reforestation. Through personal stories and pivotal moments, it highlights the importance of reconnecting with purpose, community, and the natural world.