Community garden producing more than produce
Mary Moua and her family have gardened for three years at Rivoli Bluffs Farm & Restoration Site, a three-acre community garden established by Saint Paul nonprofit Urban Roots. Skyler Hawkins, market garden program manager at Urban Roots, approached Moua about joining the garden when she first moved into the neighborhood.
“At first, I said no because I was hesitant and had zero gardening experience,” Moua said.
Her parents were the ones who convinced her to try it.
“They grew up in Laos and were farmers who planted their own food," Moua said. "Whatever they wanted to eat they would get from the garden. On my father’s side, farming was a family business and having to leave all of that land behind was so sad.”
Moua’s father wanted to pass on some of his farming expertise, and it became a full experience for the entire family.
“What I like most about gardening is taking my niece and nephew out there with us," Moua said. "We bought little kid gardening tools so when they come, they like to dig in the dirt and play and the adults can teach them about the garden. They love carrying water back and forth or spraying water on the plants."
Hawkins and Moua say they see many benefits of community gardening, including:
- Neighborhood connections – neighbors get to meet each other and be social in the garden.
- Fresh produce – community gardens provide the space, resources and access to fresh food for cooking and home lifestyle.
- Culture and diversity – stories are told by gardeners who grew up farming in their childhood or home country. There is a lot of knowledge to be shared.
- Mental health – some participants join to take up a healthier hobby, as a method of self-care, to have an activity to stay positive, and get out of the house and feel more productive.
- Intergenerational family memories – gardening is a family-friendly activity and everyone from little kids to grandparents can spend time in the garden.
Moua said anyone thinking about joining a community garden or getting started with gardening, should “just give it a try.”
“It’s a great experience,” Moua said, “and worth trying even for just one season to see if you like it.”
Rivoli Bluff Community Garden is one of 80+ community gardens throughout Ramsey County, most of which are first-come, first-served for registration and may be free or charge a specific fee to cover a plot rental.
Urban Roots cultivates and empowers youth through nature, healthy food and community. Food and gardening are core to Urban Roots’ work. Learn more about Urban Roots, and visit the Ramsey County Urban Ag & Community Gardening website for more resources.
This article is featured in Green Ramsey, an environmental health newsletter from Ramsey County.
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