“Don’t talk about it, be about it” is one of my mottos, so when I got the chance to start a community garden here in my New Orleans neighborhood I couldn’t wait. The working name for the site is Bulbancha Blooms Gardens. Bulbancha is a Choctaw word which means “place of many tongues,” it was one of the early names for the place we now refer to as New Orleans.
This garden is located in the Upper 9th Ward in New Orleans. Those who are familiar with the area know that it is what is referred to as a food desert, we have no supermarket, and access to fresh produce is very limited. It is also an area that is frequently affected by flooding and other issues. It is my hope that this space will provide free produce to the area and will help to alleviate some of this strain.
Many people know me as a author and performer. Many don’t know I also hold a minor in Plant Science and have taken part in many community gardens over the years. While it takes years to receive certification, I do want to note that this space will be maintained without any chemical pesticides or fertilizers.
Plant and material donations are very welcome. Plants need to be those listed below and suitable for zone 9b, our planting zone here in New Orleans. If you would like to drop off plants or materials at the community garden, please email me blackbrigit@yahoo.com to arrange a time.
Plant Donation List:
- Yarrow
- Borage
- Comfrey
- Blueberries
- Elderberries
- Strawberries
- milkweed
- buttonbush
- heuchera
- edible herbs suitable for zone 9b
- banana trees
Materials Donation List:
- Shovels
- Pitchfork
- Organic dirt
- Topsoil
- Cedar mulch
- Small gravel
- 2x8x2 raised bed
- Milk crates
Online Wish List for those who want to help but are not local can be found here
However, even more than plants and materials, this community garden needs your labor. All skill levels and experience are welcome. The space is most certainly non-denominational and people from all walks of life are welcome. Unfortunately I’m not getting any younger, and on medical advice I’ve had to scale back what I can do alone. In short we would sincerely love your help. Our first open help day is scheduled for August 27th 2022. But if it’s later than this date as you read this, never fear these will be ongoing throughout the coming months, please email me blackbrigit@yahoo.com to volunteer. I thank you in advance for your support.
Even if you can’t donate time or materials, you can help by sharing, liking, or commenting on this post ! Every little thing helps !
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