The seeds of crops and community took root at American University over the weekend.

On Saturday, March 22, the AU Community Garden and the Office of Community Relations hosted about 45 neighbors and students for a gardening workshop led by garden manager Kylie Bill, CAS/BS ’25, on the plot between Nebraska Hall and the Katzen Arts Center.

The event brought together college students, elementary schoolers, parents, and retirees to learn how to make fertilizer, create seed packets, and prepare their home garden to flourish in the spring. It’s just one example of AU’s efforts to be a gathering place for students, staff, faculty, and the surrounding community.

“Events like this remind the community that students—and their passions and interests—are AU’s greatest resource as an anchor institution for this neighborhood and the District,” said Jason Millison, director of community relations. “It’s important that my office does everything it can to expose neighbors to that resource.”

Every Saturday from noon to 2 p.m., the AU Community Garden opens its gates to all who want to get their hands dirty.

“We’ve always tried to serve as a third place for students—somewhere that’s not home or work—where people can hang out without having to pay money,” Bill said. “We don’t consider ourselves owners of the space, just the facilitators and managers of it. We want to be a space that’s accessible to everyone.”

Learn more about the AU Community Garden.