Some of the varied fauna that can be spotted amongst the branches and bushes

Me and Louisa, my favorite of our feathered ladies

Working with a smile on his face

Marigolds' beauty in competition

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Howard Langton Community Garden occupies an unassuming corner of SOMA, bordered by the neighborhood’s gritty sidewalks and their cacophony and chaos.

These sounds and fury that most characterize our neighborhood—and provide its eclectic vibrance—take a respite when they enter our space. Approximately 40 member plots, and then ample border area which house (in addition to city wildlife) beehives, a chicken coop, and turtles—what a treasure!

Our community garden, through a quirk of history, provokes more marvel than other gardens in the city. The garden has always welcomed of dogs (and their owners), so most of our gardeners don't focus on food plants and instead produce amazing flowers and greenery. It seems cliche to praise the flowers but their charisma is second only to our hens.

Shielded from wind and noise and buffered from large shifts in temperature, the garden often makes people wonder how it can be so big on the inside, yet seem so insignificant from the street. The garden is always serene, with places amongst the vines and boughs to sit and read, or sit and talk. And so many lush photo opportunities!

But I would do the garden an injustice if I presented its wealth as mere vegetation. The people make the place. With their diversity of character and experience, people passionate about living—and about life's beauties—fuse with a special magic that I’d not before encountered. As an unexperienced (i.e., barely competent) gardener myself, the wealth of plant and animal knowledge among the members is invaluable. And our workdays are more like parties than labors.

The garden also serves as the perfect gathering place in the our park-deficient neighborhood. We've had parties and tea parties, and recently a monthly poetry reading. And memorials for the wonderful people we’ve lost.

The garden is to the neighborhood what the lungs are to an animal—bringing strength and life and spirit. I am so grateful.

[ Langton St. @ Howard, between 7th and 8th