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Do you dig digging in the earth? Or maybe you’ve thought of adding gardening as a hobby but don’t know exactly where to start? Look no further. Here’s a hands-on, interactive workshop led by two experts who share unique tips and projects for gardening, their personal journeys as gardening professionals and their thoughts on the African American diaspora and its connection with land and resource sovereignty.
Up first is Kia Ruiz, owner of Bodhi Bridge, a self and earth care organization that hosts this course. Ruiz discusses her extensive experience in gardening, her work on non-GMO foods and products, and the benefits of gardening.
“Gardens engage all of our senses and give us lots of opportunities for creative expression as we choose what to plant and where,” Ruiz says.
Then Zephrine Hanson, founder of Hampden Farms, an organization that accelerates food security and community-wealth building, shares her experiences in the military and her work with veterans on gardening projects as a way to boost their mental health.
Both women then get hands-on with seed saving, seed swapping and converting the magic of lavender into a pocket-sized memory you can take with you. Those signing up are encouraged to find Ruiz at @bodhibridge and Hanson at @hampdenfarms on Instagram.
Kia Ruiz owns Bodhi Bridge in Westminster, Colorado, a yoga space based on values of personal wellness and earth care. She grows at Jardin Juride.
Zephrine Hanson is a U.S. Air Force veteran with a background in media communication. She pivoted to agriculture with Hampden Farms for community food security.