Open Garden is a relatively new peer-to-peer network connection system, developed by a startup company founded just last year. Its purpose is to help people get their mobile devices connected to the Internet. Unlike most other P2P systems designed to share data between devices across an Internet connection, Open Garden sets up connections among local devices so that they can share Internet access itself. This sounds similar to tethering, except that traditional tethering involves networking a person's own equipment, while Open Garden effectively tethers your devices to someone else's (or vice versa) via ad hoc network connections.
→ See also - Do You Use Wi-Fi Direct?
To start the process of Internet connection sharing, users must install the Open Garden app (Windows, Android, or Mac OS X) that identifies peer devices on the network including any active Internet connections they are using. You may need to have Bluetooth enabled on your device for Open Garden to work properly. You will definitely want to be careful about who taps into your Internet access, as Open Garden is not responsible for misuse. I personally wouldn't use such a thing in a public location. Would you?
→ More - Open Garden App Downloads (opengarden.com)→ See also - Do You Use Wi-Fi Direct?
I am using Open Garden whenever I need it, at home, in public places and at the airpot. Even if today there is no settings to control who I share my data with the main screen displays the devices connected to my phone. I think it is therefore not an issue and that Open Garden gives you so much benefits that you shouldn’t worry about enabling someone else to access your mobile data. The service you give that person if you happen to be close to one is so great for that person that you will be in return very happy next time you are roaming to connect to another Open Garden user and access data for free. I love this app!