When the San Antonio Time Dollar Community Connections’ tool shed was destroyed, and all of their equipment was stolen in 2007, the gardening and beautification efforts at El Jardin de La Esperanza Community Garden seemed in doubt.

There's no denying that home gardens are popular right now. Seed sales are up... make that waaay up right now... as spring meets the recession.

At the same time, there's rising interest in community gardens, especially in urban areas. San Antonio is no exception, and the San Antonio Food Bank created a new, five-acre garden last fall designed to both feed the poor and teach residents how to cultivate their own food. With the help of generous sponsors and donors, the food bank hopes to see the garden flourish.