This episode of the Garden Question podcast, hosted by Craig McManus, features Kim Halyak, the co-founder of Experience Memphis Gardens.

They discuss the impact of garden walks on community connections, local economies, and neighborhood aesthetics.

Kim shares her journey from being inspired by garden walks across the United States to establishing the Experience Memphis Garden Walk, highlighting its growth, benefits to the community, and how it fosters a sense of connectivity and pride among residents.

The discussion covers the importance of inclusion in the garden walk, encouraging participation from home owners, renters, and non-gardeners. The broadened horizon of the walk to include various neighborhoods and garden styles.

She also touches on the grant program initiated to fuel community-based beautification projects. The episode concludes with Kim's personal gardening preferences, challenges in organizing the garden walk, Experience Memphis Gardens long-term visions, and advice for aspiring garden walk organizers.

Time Line

00:00 Welcome to The Garden Question Podcast!

00:42 Exploring the Impact of Garden Walks with Kim Halyak

01:34 The Magic of Garden Walks: Community, Economy, and Aesthetics

03:54 The Birth and Growth of Experience Memphis Gardens

05:55 Expanding the Garden Walk: Citywide Transformation

09:13 Inclusivity and Diversity in Gardening: Everyone's Invited

14:10 The Logistics of Organizing a Citywide Garden Walk

16:53 The Bigger Picture: Gardening for a Greener City

24:03 Empowering Communities Through Gardening Initiatives

26:57 Empowering Communities Through Garden Walks

27:17 Overcoming Challenges and Spreading the Word

28:41 Vision for Neighborhood-Specific Garden Walks

29:46 The Prestigious Garden Fling Event in Memphis

30:38 Starting Your Own Garden Walk: Tips and Encouragement

32:35 The Transformative Power of Garden Walks

34:48 Gardening for Wildlife and Community Education

35:48 Personal Gardening Preferences and Low Maintenance Techniques

37:56 Rethinking Garden Design and Public Spaces

40:16 Busting Garden Myths and Embracing All Gardeners

45:55 Gardening as a Journey of Learning and Creativity

49:09 Final Thoughts and How to Connect