Economic Gardening: No Green Thumb Needed   Economic Gardening is an economic development model that embraces the idea that entrepreneurs drive economies and places a laser-like focus on creating jobs by supporting existing companies in a community. It originated in the late 80s in Littleton, CO when the state was in a recession and the community lost a major employer. Local leaders realized that only a small percentage of all companies were “high growth” but those companies were creating the majority of new jobs.  Since 1989, Littleton (current population 45,000), has added 15,000+ jobs, with no incentives.