What schools are you serving as a PGG Grower?
I service the Cobb County Schools and one school (Ford Elementary) has a community garden (Seeds of Hope) where I manage 19 of their vacant beds. Seeds of Hope has fallen into hard times as they lost access to water due to a dispute between the City and County municipalities. We cart 20 gallons of water (at a time) to water our crops and I am working with them to map out an future rain harvesting system and experimenting with mulching as means of water conservation.
Are you involved with agriculture outside of our program?
Yes. I am a Class of 2020 Master Gardener graduate and I also support the Green Meadows Preserve Community Garden.
What brought you to gardening?
I had a high stress corporate job that required me to travel extensively. One day I woke up and realized my priorities were all wrong. I made some lifestyle changes and now I find peace and satisfaction in the garden. I am happiest when I am surrounded by nature’s curiosities.
What inspired you to become a part of Project Giving Gardens?
It was such a happy accident! I was growing vegetable seedlings to support a Master Gardener (MG) Plant Sale which was cancelled due to COVID. I had to find homes for over 200 seedlings. I donated plants to American Community Garden Assoc (ACGA) and any community garden that was still open in spite of the shelter in place mandate. ACGA referred me to Foodwell Alliance and Foodwell introduced me to Captain Planet. Joining up with Captain Planet was a win/win! I could not only donate my vegetable seedlings but I grow organic food that could be given directly to the people who need it most? How cool is that?!
What is your favorite thing to grow?
Honestly, I can’t name a favorite because each type of plant has its own special characteristics. I love to dote on tomato plants, trellis cucumbers, peas and beans, breathe in the smell of fresh herbs, and peek under squash, melons & pumpkin leaves and find treasures there.
Where else can we find you online?
I use Instagram and my username is “aHappyPlace4me2”. My mission is to post positive, uplifting and educational images.