More than a community garden, not exactly a farm.

 

This space invites guests, family ,teachers and community to open themselves to remember indigenous practices, taste rarely grown produce and hear stories about Black and Brown peoples’ current and historical relationship to the soil. To bring Joy and to study. To engage with ourselves and the community in conversation of history and heritage through food, embracing and acknowledging what we eat as our legacy and heritage

theJOYproject farm holds 4 major garden features

 

  • Though The Joy Project centers the African Atlantic experience we are ever aware that our experience here is not happening in a vacuum. The entry to the farm will be marked with an altar/offering/demo garden displaying the 3 sisters method of Indigenous agricultural practices recognizing the original and true stewards of this land. The 3 sisters garden will serve as a living land acknowledgment and a celebration of the Anishinaabe.

  • A section of raised beds, curated by Josmine, featuring plants that have been integral and influential in the diasporic culinary cultural experience, think: okra, watermelon and cotton. This heritage section offers visitors an opportunity to commune with our plant ancestors and share their stories along with our own as we remember

  • This section of garden has 50 ft long in-ground Row beds, a mixing of perennial, yearly annuals , with seasonal highlights and experiments Curated by Gabrielle Knox.

    Our land is a Museum. In all sections reflected in the garden you will find plants that speak to the very personal relationships of plants to cultural foodways and tradition. utilizing some no-till techniques adding organic materials and cover crops .

    Its important as we Steward this land, to acknowledge how the plants we display have been used in the oppression of humans and even today for some plants is a relationship of manipulation and exploitation. Cared for with the intention of reparations and atonement we remember AND we Reconcile. Here, giving more life to the conversation and more freedom to the plants, from this land, whose seeds we save and store.

  • Here we explore a mix of traditional and more modern techniques of growing and engaging with the soil in our perennial circle. We collaborate choosing a variety of herbs and Flowers of medicinal value arranged to support this space of healing and restoration. The center of this circle features a paved patio area for community activities that invite nature into healing practices that restore the balance of the mind, body and spirit.

theJOYproject is also…

  • Seed Library

    Storing and Sharing seeds with our community

  • Sensory Garden

    Arranged with intention to provide a full sensory experience. See the colors, taste the different flavors, hear the laves rustle in the wind, feel the dirt between your fingers and toes, smell the fragrance of fresh flowers, fruits and veggies. Plenty to see, hear, taste, feel and smell.

  • Outdoor Learning Center

    Gardening Classes, Cooking Demonstrations and more

  • Healing Space

    Sacred ground to hold space for community activities and invite nature into existing healing practices