Saturday, March 21, 2015

The Secret Garden Project

No occupation is so delightful to me as the culture of the earth, and no culture comparable to that of the garden.
Thomas Jefferson

Last Saturday, my friend Samantha (who makes the most delicious fresh nut milks) suggested we go for brunch at The Secret Garden.  The garden is a project started a year ago by Chef Mimi who received permission to turn an abandoned public space into an urban garden.
That's Chef Mimi in the hat, serving up omelettes and pickled salmon with avocado on toast. 
Every Saturday, while the weather is good, she puts out an invitation via Instagram for volunteers to meet for planting and maintaining the garden.  Everything used in the garden is either upcycled garbage or has been donated.
  I drive by this garden on the way to school every single day and never realized it was THE secret garden I'd heard so much about.  
Amazing how such a small space allows you to feel like you are somewhere else.  On this particular day there was a brunch with about 6 vendors and also a sale of handmade items.  Today there was a potluck as volunteers gathered; sometimes there are evening events; but there's always the opportunity to garden and give back.
 It's wonderful to see locals doing something positive to contribute to change in the community. I certainly left The Secret Garden that day feeling very inspired.

Best wishes and blessings,

21 comments:

Terra said...

I admire Chef Mimi for her wonderful creative project involving gardening, cooking, art and volunteers. How good you stopped to see it. Did you get on her list to be notified?

Anonymous said...

The garden looks like a very happy place to be.

Back in Philadelphia (where I was raised), there is an urban farm right in the middle of the city.

I would love to go back there and be a volunteer some day.

Createology said...

Truly a positive note on "it takes a village".
Great way to sustain and provide the needed basic foods.
I have recently learned to try and like almond milk.
Beautiful weekend dear...

Diane said...

Sounds like a wonderful idea and a good time. Diane

handmade by amalia said...

What a lovely, creative project! I do admire people who contribute to the community and find and original and fun way to do it.
Amalia
xo

Betsy said...

What a wonderful project. So inspiring to see the difference one person with ideas can make and the impact it can have on many. I'm sure it was a eye opening experience for you. Are you going to be a volunteer there too?
Blessings,
Betsy

Plain Jane said...

A wonderful project in so many ways - it certainly warms the soul. How lucky to be so close. Hope you are having a lovely weekend x Jane

summersundays-jw said...

Wonderful!

Tanna said...

Kudos for Chef Mimi!! The world would be a different place if there were more Mimis! blessings ~ tanna

Maya Kuzman said...

Wonderful!
It must have been quite an experience to brunch there - I love the idea and it is good that the authorities recognized the potential of this venue!

kathyinozarks said...

this is too awesome-love it

Claudia said...

Such a wonderful idea, Tammy. An urban garden with volunteers helping out - it certainly fosters a sense of community.

xo
Claudia

linda said...

That looks lovely Tammy it's always great when locals can come together and share in something like this. :) xx

Mrs. Micawber said...

What a fantastic thing to do! Long life to the Secret Garden.

Have a great week, Tammy. :)

Laurie said...

Looks and sounds like places I would love to visit. Thanks for sharing.

Wanda said...

Oh what a marvelous idea. I think this should be done in many cities.

Love the name too, The Secret Garden.

Teresa Kasner said...

Wow, now I'm inspired too! What a neat woman to organize that! In my younger days I had the energy to do such things - I put on a Pioneer Festival out here in the gorge with a covered wagon, sheep and spinning wheels, Indian tepee and fry bread, musicians playing.. everyone in pioneer dress.. what a time we had. ((hugs)), Teresa :-)

Kit said...

Oh how wonderful! I just love this! :) Kit

Mereknits said...

Such a wonderfully positive idea, I love it. Glad you were able to spend a lovely Saturday visiting this special place.
Hugs,
Meredith

Tired Teacher said...

What an amazing project!

CatieAn said...

what a wonderful garden....drawing community, upcycling garbage, teaching everyone in one way or another

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