This gardening program gives resident’s of Minneapolis public housing highrise apartments the opportunity to garden and to get to know their neighbors.  With flower or vegetable gardens at more than half of Minneapolis’ 40 highrise buildings, the program clearly has engaged many of the residents.  More than 30 languages are spoken among the highrise residents, so the gardens bridge cultures and connect people of diverse origins.

Elderly residents who had gardened in their previous homes can continue a cherished acitivity that promotes health, friendships, and spiritual wellbeing and share the results whith their neighbors.  For residents who are new to gardening, it’s a chance to learn from others.  Newcomers to Minnesota learn the characteristics of northern gardening and how to incorporate their own horticultural methods in new gardens.

The Minneapolis Highrise Representative Council sponsors an annual garden contest.  Building resident councils make garden plans and allocate most garden spaces in early spring.  The councils provide funds for purchasing plants, many through membership in Minnesota Green. The Minneapolis public housing authority matches resident spending on gardens, up to $100 per highrise.  Donations and money-matching sustain this program.  Attendees at the resident leadership recognition event held in August vote to select the winning gardens.  In 2007, the winning gardens were also featured at a year-end garden tea party that included a tour of the Cedar Highrise Gardens and a Master Gardener presentation on preparing gardens for winter.