There’s something magical about a South Florida morning—the sun rising over lush palm trees, the salty breeze drifting through the air, and the feeling that anything is possible. This past weekend, I found myself experiencing that magic firsthand at the Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens, where the West Palm Beach Office of Sustainability hosted The Art of Gardening.

As someone who lives in a condo with no outdoor space, my relationship with gardening has always been more of a dream than a reality. But lately, I’ve been challenging myself to learn and engage with gardening in ways that fit my lifestyle. And let me tell you—when you set an intention, God listens. In just a few short weeks, I’ve found myself volunteering at two local community gardens, taking a composting class, and supporting local farms and independent grocers. This event was another step in my journey, and I left feeling more inspired than ever.

The Art of Gardening: A Community Event Worth Attending

Walking into the Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens, I was immediately struck by the beauty of the space. The gardens themselves are a sanctuary of art and nature, blending towering sculptures with tropical greenery. It was the perfect setting for a morning dedicated to sustainability, gardening, and community connection.

Hosted by the West Palm Beach Office of Sustainability, The Art of Gardening was designed to encourage residents to engage with urban gardening, native plants, and environmental conservation. Events like this are a hidden gem in the city, offering free and accessible ways to learn and connect with sustainability efforts in our community.

Highlights of the Event

Master Gardener Tour with CJ McCartney – As a self-proclaimed newbie in the gardening world, I found this tour fascinating. CJ McCartney walked us through the gardens, explaining plant care, native species, and the importance of biodiversity. Her passion for sustainable gardening was contagious, and I left with a deeper appreciation for how plants can shape an environment.
Tree Giveaway – One of the most exciting parts of the event was the tree giveaway. Attendees had the chance to take home native Florida trees to plant in their yards, helping to increase the tree canopy in West Palm Beach. While I, unfortunately, couldn’t take one home (condo life strikes again!), I loved seeing others excitedly picking out their new greenery.
Sustainable Living & Gardening Resources – The event was filled with tons of information from local vendors, sustainability organizations, and gardening experts who were more than happy to answer questions and share resources. I was snagged a reusable tote bag and flower seeds as well as information about upcoming events at Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens.

Learning to Garden Without a Garden

I won’t lie—when I first started thinking about gardening, I felt a little stuck. How do you embrace gardening when you don’t have a yard? But the more I’ve explored sustainability, the more I’ve realized that gardening is about more than just planting in the ground.

How I’ve Been Engaging with Gardening in Unexpected Ways

Volunteering in a Community Garden – One of the best decisions I made was to start volunteering at a local community garden. Well, actually there are two of them. It’s a great way to get hands-on experience with planting, watering, and caring for plants—without needing a yard of my own. Plus, the sense of community is amazing.
Taking a Composting Class – Composting is something I’ve always been curious about, but I never knew where to start. After taking a class, I learned that even in a condo, you can compost using small indoor bins or city collection programs. Now, I feel more confident about reducing waste and giving nutrients back to the soil.
Shopping from Local Farms & Grocers – Gardening isn’t just about growing your own food; it’s also about supporting those who do. I’ve been making an effort to buy locally grown fruits, vegetables, and herbs from independent grocers and farmers’ markets. Not only is it fresher, but it also supports the local economy and sustainable agriculture.

Why West Palm Beach is a Goldmine for Sustainability Events

One of the things I love most about living in West Palm Beach is how many opportunities there are to learn, engage, and take action toward sustainability. The Office of Sustainability doesn’t just host The Art of Gardening—they put together amazing events year-round.

Here are just a few community initiatives worth checking out:

The West Palm Beach GreenMarket – If you love fresh produce, baked goods, and artisanal products, the GreenMarket is a must-visit. It’s one of the top farmers’ markets in the country and a great way to shop local while enjoying the waterfront views.
The Toilet Voucher Giveaway – Yes, you read that right! The city offers vouchers for residents to replace old toilets with water-efficient models, helping to conserve water and reduce utility bills. It’s one of those underrated but super practical sustainability programs.
Sustainability Workshops & Classes – From composting and rainwater harvesting to native landscaping and urban farming, the city hosts a variety of free or low-cost workshops to educate residents on how to live more sustainably.
Tree Giveaways & Plant Swaps – Beyond the tree giveaway at The Art of Gardening, the city frequently holds tree distribution events, making it easy to green up your backyard.

Small Steps, Big Impact: How You Can Get Involved

If you’re like me—someone who’s intrigued by sustainability and gardening but not sure where to start—here’s what I recommend:

Attend Local Events – Check out what your city offers! Many sustainability programs are free and beginner-friendly.
Start Small – Whether it’s herbs on a windowsill or volunteering at a community garden, there’s no pressure to go all in at once.
Learn from Experts – Take classes, watch videos, and ask questions! Gardeners and sustainability advocates love to share their knowledge.
Support Local – If you can’t grow it, buy it! Farmers’ markets and independent grocers offer great alternatives to big-box stores.
Make Sustainable Swaps – Compost, reduce plastic use, and opt for native plants if you do have a space to grow.

Final Thoughts: Finding Joy in the Green Journey

This journey into sustainability and gardening has been unexpected but deeply fulfilling. Even though I don’t have a backyard, I’ve realized that there are so many ways to cultivate a love for plants, food, and the environment—all while building community along the way.

The Art of Gardening event was a reminder that you don’t need a perfect setup to start learning and growing. Whether it’s through events, volunteering, or simply making more conscious choices, small actions add up.

If you’re in West Palm Beach, I highly encourage you to explore the incredible sustainability programs and events happening in the city. Who knows? You might just find yourself planting seeds—both literally and metaphorically—that grow into something beautiful.

Have you attended any sustainability events in your city? I’d love to hear about your experiences!

Drop a comment below or connect with me on Instagram. Let’s grow together! 🌿✨

Cultivating Green Dreams: My Experience at The Art of Gardening Event in West Palm Beach