A unique community has emerged in the International District to foster both healing and horticulture.

Just Keep Growing is a garden-based sobriety support group that not only focuses on recovery from addiction but also celebrates the lessons that nature has to offer.

Founder Casey Sheek, who is in recovery herself, said she always found peace and purpose in the garden.

“I wanted to find a way to share this space, and possibly peace, with others, especially people in recovery,” she said.

Every Saturday, group members gather at the Alief Community Garden 8409½ Dairy View Lane, not only to tend to garden beds but also to cultivate a sense of community.

The gatherings are filled with ongoing conversations where individuals can check in, share their experiences, and provide support to one another as they navigate their recovery journeys, Sheek said.

“Patience, consistency, care, problem solving, letting go, trust and faith are a handful of what I consider ‘lessons from the garden’ that I felt were important to share, especially with those working on their recovery,” Sheek said.

Members learn to trust the process, let go of past mistakes, and cultivate hope.

In July 2024, Just Keep Growing partnered with The Phoenix, a nationwide organization that offers free in-person and virtual sober events. This collaboration allows the group to tap into a broader community of support, with opportunities for individuals to engage in various activities beyond gardening.

While Just Keep Growing primarily focuses on sobriety, they emphasize inclusivity: everyone is welcome, regardless of their relationship with alcohol or addiction.

“We are still a small group right now but our dreams include but are not limited to becoming a non-profit, having a network of these types of gatherings across the country and helping to establish garden activities in rehabilitation centers that don’t have anything like that already in place,” Sheek said.

For those interested in learning more or getting involved, Just Keep Growing maintains an active Facebook page where events and gatherings are regularly posted. 

Sheek said: “It has been an absolutely beautiful and life changing experience to see others be a part of these things and sometimes, even get a chance to see them bring these lessons into their own life, outside of the garden.”

— Dorothy Puch Lillig