David has periodically kept a small backyard garden upon moving to the Chicago area, but things took on a different scale during covid as people were collectively looking outdoors. Since then, he has expanded the garden to take up the majority of the yard, renovated the garage to be his at-home studio, and installed French doors in the garage to connect it to the garden. It has become a space to unwind, entertain guests, and display his pottery.
         There have also been numerous ecological benefits to expanding the garden and adding native plants to the yard. The garden attracts an increased number of birds and insects, becoming a haven for local wildlife.