rediscovering citrus in community garden beds

When I walked past our local farmers market this weekend, I was struck by the sight of citrus trees growing right in the raised beds—something my grandmother would have found odd, even rebellious. Back in her day, citrus belonged in backyard groves or maybe a sunroom, not mingling with tomatoes and kale in a public plot. But here they were, glossy leaves shining in the June sun, surrounded by curious onlookers and skeptical elders. I overheard a few older neighbors grumble about 'breaking tradition' and 'wasting space,' while younger volunteers snapped photos, excited by the novelty. It made me think about how gardening has changed in our community. Are we losing the wisdom of the past, or are we adapting to new challenges—like unpredictable weather and the need for more resilient crops? Citrus trees can struggle in our chilly winters, but with warmer summers and creative protection, maybe they’re not so out of place anymore. Still, I wonder: does mixing citrus with veggies break some unspoken rule, or is it a sign of hope and healing—bringing a taste of the South to our northern soil? Maybe it’s both. I’d love to hear if anyone else has tried this, or if you think we should stick to the old ways. The sight of those bright oranges against the green leaves brought back memories of family picnics and summer days, but also made me question what community gardening really means today. #communitygardening #citrusdebate #familytraditions #Gardening