Coming out of this project, I have this warm fuzzy feeling inside because I was able to bring something back to my community. Just like Crystal McIver, I also am from Sanford, North Carolina. Just up the street from the garden I attended pre-school, so that feeling of home resonates with me as well.
I have committed myself to being more involved with the garden. Prior to this program, I had been to the garden one time for a community event. Interviewing McIver and learning about the garden’s roots made me realize that I needed to be more involved with my community.
I told the garden mother, Alfreda Clegg, that in the past, I have had plants but oftentimes they wouldn’t do well, so the garden might be a better start for me. In our few interactions she has already taught me so much about gardening. Before leaving the garden she gave me the two tomatoes and that juicy eggplant from my digital story. They were quite delicious!
McIver, Clegg, and I have all connected and after this week I also will be helping with their social media content. So many unique things happen in this garden that should be shared. Promoting this cost-free benefit to my community has now become a focus of mine.
Looking forward, McIver shared that she would like to receive funding to be able to take care of things that are coming out of their pockets. I want to be a part of that, and help the garden get that additional help that it needs. I want to see the garden continue to be sustainable for the community.