The empty lot lay dusty between bright houses. Zara dug three little holes and dropped in three tiny seeds.
A bright red bucket tipped over. SPLASH! Water ran between the stones, and Zara laughed.
The next morning, neighbors brought soil, seeds, and watering cans. Zara carried a heavy bag toward the lot.
WHOOSH! Wind scattered the seeds like confetti. Zara pressed fallen leaves into little fences.
One green sprout poked up. Then another. “Look!” Zara called, as many more appeared.
Neighbors stopped to water the patch. One can squirted backward—SPLAT!—and soaked Zara’s shoes.
After a hot day, the garden drooped. Zara gathered cups, buckets, and bottles from every nearby door.
Neighbors formed a long water line from the sunny sidewalk. “Pass it along!” Zara shouted.
Cup by cup, water reached the roots. The wilted leaves lifted, and tiny blossoms opened.
Soon, flowers, herbs, and tall green plants filled the lot. Neighbors cheered and children shared crunchy vegetables.
Zara placed one last seed in a new garden box. Along the street, colorful planters appeared, one after another.
The little garden kept growing beside the busy street. Zara patted the soil, and the neighborhood made room for green things.