The St. Ann’s garden redesign built on 2 years of community building efforts beginning in 2020. The St. Ann’s leadership and community were eager to utilize their long-neglected garden as a place of sanctuary, welcome, and environmental stewardship. The garden design and installation process included an intergenerational coalition, collectively creating a truly beautiful and welcoming garden. Perennial and culturally resonant crops are framed by interconnecting pathways, supporting exploration, wonder, and the tenant "there is no one right path in life".
Young gardeners tending perennial beds at St. Ann’s free community summer camp.
Staff and volunteer’s installing perennial plants. Whenever relevant, I encourage staff and community stakeholders to participate in garden installations. Gardening together supports knowledge creation, accesses existing skills, and builds trust among colleagues. Staff engagement contributes to the long term health of a garden and supports the overall goals of a project.
Community members removing perennial weeds and clearing the old garden back in 2020, prior to garden redesign.