Urban Gardening

Location: Saxe Room
Audience: Adult

Want to grow plants but don't have a large yard? Discover how to create a thriving garden in small or limited spaces!

Participants will learn practical techniques for growing flowers, herbs, and vegetables in containers, raised beds, and other compact spaces. Our presenter will cover container gardening, vertical growing, and selecting the right plants for limited environments. You'll also learn about soil management and watering strategies that help gardens thrive in space-conscious settings. Whether you're gardening on a balcony, patio, or other small area, you'll leave with the knowledge and inspiration to create a healthy, beautiful garden—no matter how much space you have!

Our presenter Gretel Anspach is a data-driven, retired systems engineer who brings an engineer’s precision to every horticultural endeavor. A mathematics graduate of MIT, she spent her career at Raytheon before channeling her analytical mindset into the world of horticulture. She currently serves as a trustee of Massachusetts Horticultural Society and is a Lifetime Master Gardener, recognized with MMGA’s 2016 Lifetime Achievement Award. With over two decades of experience in food pantry gardening, Gretel first led Raytheon’s company garden initiative, then went on to independently establish and maintain a 20,000-square-foot production garden serving the Marlborough and Maynard food pantries. Gretel is known for demystifying the science behind gardening, combining her background in math and systems thinking with a passion for sharing knowledge. Her work bridges the gap between data and dirt—proving that logical thinking and healthy soil can grow more than just plants.

While you're here, be sure to stop by our Seed Library on the 2nd floor and help yourself to some free seeds! 

Want to stay in the know about all things WPL? Sign up for our ENewsletter!