A new ‘bank’ in the historic district

Most of us have seen a tiny book library or pantry in neighborhoods around town. Cristina Esquivel and Gabriel Villanueva, who live near the Alameda Depot Historic District, came up with the idea of starting a seed and plant library for fellow gardeners.

“The concept was based on tiny libraries,” Cristina said. “Last year we grew too many tomato seedlings. We set a table outside to give them away.”

This year, the couple enlisted the help of an artist friend to create the bright and attractive tiny garden box. Opening the door with the snail handles reveals small shelves that hold small glass jars with cuttings and a row of seed packets. There is a small notebook for neighbors to leave gardening tips and comments.

Also, the seed library has a shaker filled with seeds that visitors are invited to carry around the neighborhood shaking out seeds. The shaker has a place to enter a date, the person who is walking, and where they scattered seeds. Then they return the shaker to be refilled or scattered by the next neighbor. They are excited by the idea of flowers sprouting around the neighborhood.

Of course, any public project can have setbacks. One unknown visitor took all the seeds and cuttings. Someone decided to abscond with the light that brightened the interior. However, despite these unpleasant experiences, Cristina and Gabriel still consider the project worthwhile and successful.

“Neighbors often have positive comments and have added donations of seeds and cuttings, Gabriel said.

They agreed their favorite comment was entered by a four-year-old  boy who wrote: “Plants like to hear children laugh.” Based on current research about the interactions of plants, this youngster is wise beyond his years.

Occasionally, a visitor will come to the door to ask questions. When Cristina and Gabriel are in their garden, neighbors stop by while they are out walking their dogs. They live in a walkable neighborhood, so neighbors get to know each other. The couple said the most visitors come by on Sundays, since their seed library is near a church and school.

“We’ll see someone walking toward the house. When they see the seed library, their expression changes,” Cristina said. Cristina, who works from home, observes the joyful reaction often.

These two innovative gardeners moved to Las Cruces from El Paso for professional jobs. Cristina, formerly with the New Mexico Space Grant, now pursues her master’s in environmental engineering at New Mexico State University. and is a research assistant. Gabriel works with a private civil engineering firm.

“We get more than we give,” Gabriel said about the project. Cristina chimed in, “It puts a smile on our faces and makes our day.”

Jackye Meinecke is a garden consultant and designer in Las Cruces. She can be contacted at gardens@zianet.com.