Gardening Etcetera: Rooted in community: The Murdoch Friendship Garden

For generations, communities cared for one another by sharing food. Extra produce from a garden, eggs from a backyard flock, a loaf of bread, or a meal at the table helped neighbors through hard times and strengthened the relationships built on mutual care and belonging.

Today, those traditions are being reimagined in Flagstaff’s historic Southside neighborhood through a shared landscape where food is grown, harvested, and passed along. Located beside the Flagstaff Community Fridge at the Murdoch Community Center, The Murdoch Friendship Garden invites community members to harvest what is ready, learn about high-elevation kitchen gardening, and experience food growing in the heart of the city. The ADA-accessible garden will be featured in the 2026 Coconino Master Gardener Association’s Garden tour on Aug. 8.