We3 Gardens

What if the most valuable thing growing in a community garden isn't the garden at all?

We3 Gardens creates neighborhood spaces for growing, learning, gathering—and simply being.
Come see what we're growing.

More Than a Garden

People come for different reasons.

Someone clips a little basil for dinner. A child stops to investigate what's growing. Someone asks how they can help and discovers they don't need a garden task at all—they can pull up a chair and stay awhile.

That's part of what we're growing, too.

We3 Gardens is an evolving neighborhood learning landscape in West Philadelphia where growing, gathering, beauty, practical learning, and everyday neighborhood life meet.

No green thumb required.

The Poetry Parklet

On a small cluster of lots in West Philadelphia, we're testing a simple idea: what changes when an overlooked piece of neighborhood land becomes somewhere worth stopping?

There are raised beds and herbs, pollinator plants and places to sit. There is poetry. There are things to taste, notice, learn, and tend.

And we're still learning what the place wants to become.

Explore the Poetry Parklet →

The garden isn't the end product. The people are.

We believe gardens can do more than grow plants. They can spark curiosity, encourage stewardship, inspire creativity, and strengthen civic life.

Through demonstration landscapes and outdoor learning, we help neighborhoods discover what's possible—whether that's a porch, a windowsill, a schoolyard, a church, or a vacant lot.

How The Space Works

Pollinator plants
Native flowers that support bees, butterflies, and urban wildlife—bringing life and movement into the space

Flowers for the block
Seasonal blooms and greenery that brighten the street and draw people in.

Edible growing
Small-scale vegetables and edible plants that show how growing can fit into everyday life.

Poetry and storytelling
Words and creative elements woven into the space—inviting reflection, expression, and community voice.

Herbs and edible plants
Simple, fragrant plants that connect the garden to everyday use—what people can touch, smell, and grow themselves.

Poetry and storytelling
Words and creative elements woven into the space—inviting reflection, expression, and community voice.

A place to pause
Seating and open space designed for rest, conversation, and quiet moments throughout the day.

  • The Poetry Parklet changes throughout the seasons.

    As plants mature and new ideas take root, the space continues to evolve through community stewardship, creativity, and care.
    Share your ideas →

  • Join Planting Days

    Whether you’re an experienced gardener or simply curious to help, you’re welcome.

    Sign up to receive updates →

  • Watch the Garden Grow

    Follow along as Poetry Parklet takes shape — from the landscape sketches and first planting days to the flowers, herbs, and people who will fill the space.‍ ‍

    Follow the garden →

  • Support the Garden

    Poetry Parklet is growing with the help of neighbors, partners, and community support. If you’d like to help the garden grow and other We3 Garden projects — through donations, materials, or partnership — we’d love to hear from you!

    Support We3 Gardens →

Growing Together

This project has been made possible through the generosity of neighbors, volunteers, and community partners.

Special thanks to:

  • Culture Trust Greater Philadelphia (Fiscal Sponsor)

  • Pennsylvania Horticultural Society LandCare

  • Feet First Philly

  • The Xerces Society

  • Trellis for Tomorrow