Little free garden stands are sprouting up in Tucson

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TUCSON, Arizona (KOLD News 13) – There’s a growing trend in Arizona.

AZ’s Little Free Garden Stands Facebook page has nearly six thousand members.

The group helps coordinate the free exchange of plant stocks across the state, including here in southern Arizona.

“I know everyone in this area and everyone knows me,” said Tucsonan William Watts.

Watts planted its roots in his Tucson neighborhood 25 years ago.

“I help everyone in the neighborhood, so I’m the neighborhood ambassador you could call me,” said Watts.

Watts is retired, but that doesn’t mean he’s stopped working.

He put his time and energy into his garden.

His back yard is filled with various plants and vegetable gardens.

In his front yard is a large orange tree that he planted with his wife 15 years ago.

“We got great fruit this year. They’re juicy, they’re easy on the eye. You’re beautiful, ”said Watts.

Watts has found a new place to share the fruits of his labor.

His neighbors have set up a free plant stand in their front yard. They encourage parishioners to take a plant and “leave” a plant.

People also exchange seeds, fruits and vegetables.

“It attracted a lot of people and it’s just a great idea,” said Watts.

Watts said he dropped some of his oranges at his neighbor’s booth and picked up a few lemons for himself.

These little plant stands are springing up all over the city.

“It was a small family project, it was definitely a lot of fun,” said Jessica Cozzetti.

Cozzetti said she set up her free plant stand about ten days ago and it has already grown in size.

On Wednesday someone handed in plastic Easter eggs with marigold seeds.

“I find her so adorable,” said Cozzetti.

Cozzetti said the plant stands are an inexpensive way to get into gardening. More importantly, she hopes the idea behind the booth will plant a seed of generosity and a sense of community in her children.

“I just hope they see that we can grow things, people can grow fruits here and they can take what they need and just to see that others are generous,” Cozzetti said.

As for Watts, he hopes this little corner will continue to cultivate hope.

“Just create a better environment for some of these darker times we’ve been through,” said Watts.

Click here to find a small free garden stand near you.

Copyright 2021 KOLD News 13. All rights reserved.

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