Garden

Author: Jennifer Young, Columbia Green Board

It’s a noun. It’s a verb. A living space.

What is a garden? Different images come to mind depending on who you ask.

There are formal gardens and informal gardens; flower gardens and vegetable gardens. Botanical gardens, community gardens, herb gardens, and sculpture gardens; In-ground gardens, raised-bed gardens, container gardens, and vertical gardens. Meditation gardens, Zen gardens, educational gardens, memorial gardens, and therapy gardens.

There are indoor gardens and patio gardens, children’s gardens, and senior gardens. English, French, Japanese, Chinese, Moroccan, and Alpine gardens. Butterfly gardens, pollinator gardens, water gardens, wildlife gardens, and rock gardens. Woodland gardens, shade gardens, natural gardens, desert gardens, and cottage gardens.

Each type of garden has its own unique characteristics and purpose. From feeding families to creating peaceful sanctuaries, gardens serve as both functional spaces and works of living art. They can be as small as a windowsill or as vast as a public park, but they all share one thing in common: they're spaces where nature and human intention meet.

At Columbia Green, we and our green partners understand that every gardener's journey is unique. Whether you're a seasoned horticulturist or just starting to discover your green thumb, our community blog aims to be your trusted companion in the world of gardening. We'll explore different garden types, share seasonal tips, discuss sustainable practices, and build a community where gardeners can learn and grow together.

Through detailed guides, expert interviews, and real-world examples, we'll help you navigate the challenges and celebrate the joys of creating and maintaining your own garden space. From selecting the right plants for our subtropical climate to mastering organic pest control, our goal is to provide practical, accessible information that empowers you to bring your garden vision to life.

Join us as we dig deep into the art and science of gardening, sharing knowledge that helps transform spaces – and perhaps ourselves – one plant, one space at a time.

Columbia Green hosts this Community Blog to provide a space for our partners and community members to write and share information and inspiration about gardens and gardening. Our partners include Historic Columbia, City of Columbia Forestry & Beautification, Midlands Native Plant Society, Gills Creek Watershed Association, the Smart Surfaces Team at SC Public Health Association, Columbia Garden Council, Columbia Master Gardeners Association, Mill Creek Greenhouses, Cooper’s Nursery, Gardener’s Outpost, and Blossom Plants and Produce.

To submit an article for publication, see our submission guidelines on Welcome to Columbia Green’s Community Blog page. To become a partner, contact partners@columbiagreen.org.