Meet Allison, urban homegrower and generous community steward.
This February, in honor of Valentine’s Day, we’re highlighting a few incredible community members who ensure DUG stays vibrant and people-centered. We reached out to Allison, long-time Sustaining Steward (aka monthly donor) and gardener, to get to know a little more about them.
Note: this interview has been edited and condensed for clarity
Can you share a little about yourself?
I am a passionate gardener with both vegetables and herbaceous borders. Gardening is part of what our family does and who we are.
How did you first get involved with DUG?
What’s your favorite way to interact with our work? When I first moved to Denver, I was living in an apartment and quite desperate to get my hands in the soil. I applied then for a plot in a DUG garden. I am in a house now, so I have taken a break from the DUG garden, but recently reapplied as I don’t have enough room to grow everything I would like to grow – and I like the sense of community that comes from a community garden.
What inspires you to generously give to DUG as a monthly donor?
I know how important gardening is to mental health and wellness, as well as being an important source of fresh, nutritious food. My particular interest is in getting children into the garden with their parents. My children started gardening when they were very small, and they continue to garden today as adults. I would like all children (and their parents) to have that experience.
What’s your favorite impact area or program at DUG?
Gardens in underprivileged communities provide access to fresh food and the types of foods that they had in their home countries. And classes to help those new to gardening.
What advice would you give to someone just starting to support us?
I don’t know if it is advice, but for me, DUG can provide people with a skill for life – one that can both feed them and contribute to their mental wellbeing. Helping to make that possible is something that we should all get behind.
What’s your favorite vegetable?
Why do I have to choose! I love growing eggplant because it is beautiful; zucchini, tomatoes, and chard because they are all so versatile and abundant; green beans because they are fabulous fresh; and nothing you can buy tastes like freshly grown lettuce.
Photo of Allison selling produce, homemade jams, and chutneys at a pop-up farmers’ market.
Because of people like Allison, our community thrives all year long. From vibrant summer gardens to nourished winter soils, support from people like you ensures DUG can cultivate joy, community, food, and belonging for all Denverites.
