Gallery


Overview of the garden—On the left are raspberries, broccoli and collards. In the foreground, zucchini. Toward the center, carrots and more zucchini. In the back are tomatoes growing up stakes. The two empty rows in the center contained lettuce and radishes during the Spring. Just a year ago, this entire yard was waist-deep in weeds.


Zucchini—These two are partially shaded during the morning.


From left to right—day lilies, collards and the giant parsley patch.


Floppy onions.


Zucchini, onions and carrots.

An ordinary schmuck wants to transform a weed-infested urban lot into a productive food garden. Can he succeed...or will the forces of nature prevail?
What? In July 2002, I moved into a new apartment with a huge overgrown backyard. My landlord told me I could do “whatever I want back there”. I decided to chop down the brush, and grow some food. This web journal keeps track of the adventure.
Who? Brian Bender—a professional web developer and over-achieving slacker.
Where? Chicago, the garden city.
Why? I like food. I like plants. I like working outside. I like making web pages about things I like.
Right Here, Right Now
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