Seeds of Growth
CONCEPT: By encouraging community members to plant flowers, we hope to improve the appearance of the neighborhood and thus improve the quality of life for those who live and work in the area. Providing free seeds, we will promote a culture of sharing and civic involvement. As Luther Burbank, an early pioneer in the field of agricultural science once said, “Flowers always make people better, happier, and more helpful; they are sunshine, food and medicine for the soul.”
Owner and operator of Amaranth Cafe, David Boucher’s passion to provide healthy foodextends further into the neighborhood throughcommunity gardens. Another neighborhood advocate, Rosalind Cox believes that “beautifying the area is a positive motivation for the improvement upon mindset”.Boucher’s passion combined with Cox’s beautification challenge inspired the Seeds of Growth project. DESCRIPTION: Selecting easy to grow flowers, these seeds will re-seed themselves to insure that this project continues for years to come. To initiate the project, we have asked individuals and businesses in the area to allow us to gather seeds from the area. The support has been overwhelming. This collaboration of mixed flower seeds mirrors the integration of the neighborhood populations.
Seeds are to be placed in a special seed packet designed to carry a theme of community andneighborhood renewal. Inspired by the artistic heritage of the neighborhood, symbols of the various local cultures have been incorporated into the design of the bag topper. These seed packets were distributed at the Washington Park Collaborative community day held December 13, 2014. |
Robert Matthiesen
LOCATION: Amaranth Café, 3329 West Lisbon Avenue PARTNERS: Rosalind Cox, David Boucher The mission of Seeds of Growthis:
· To improve the quality of life and the beauty of the neighborhood by providing flower seed packets to be planted in their yards. · To create a culture of sharing and community involvement by gathering seeds for the packets from the community. · To initiates a cycle of interest and renewal that sustains neighborhood values. · To act as a springboardfor future gardening projects such as perennial plant exchanges and food seed swaps. · To initiate family gardening activities that foster sharing, learning, and fun. |