Santa and Elizabeth worked their plots together — prepping them for the different plants that will soon be growing. Santa, who moved from Bhutan nine years ago, is looking forward to having access to a garden space to grow organic vegetables like mustard greens, okra and hot chilis.
But more than that, she is looking forward to working this plot with her parents. “It will be great to come with my parents as they often don’t get to meet with people,” she says. "The garden provides that space to meet with friends — and make new ones!"
This is what Elizabeth is looking forward to. “I am excited about the friends and relationships that are building,” she says as she looks around, pointing out people who she doesn’t know yet but is looking forward to meeting and knowing.
Originally from Illinois, Elizabeth will be carrying on the tradition of her roots in Sweden and Scotland, growing oyster leaf, flowers, rutabagas and more She says in Sweden, you have to grow a lot of Oyster Leaf because of there is just one “It is selfish to pick it.” Gardening will connect her to her family back home, too. “I’ll be able to tell them what I am growing, and they will be able to tell me what they are growing.”
