A reason to smile: How Minnesotans are boosting morale during the coronavirus outbreak

Nothing quite says hope like new plants emerging from the garden in spring.

Which is why a Little Free Library-style cabinet in the Hamline-Midway neighborhood in St. Paul is now distributing free gardening seeds and urging passersby to "#OutPlantTheOutbreak."

"Whether you are feeling cooped-up, or have a desire to enhance your resiliency, or want to engage your bored kids in a little Nature Deficit Busting, then 2020 may be a year to start a garden, expand your planting or grow something new!" urges the sign on the cabinet.

Richard Chin