And honor the root of who we are.
Gardening provides a safe space for reflection, a connection to heritage and a celebration of identity. But popular culture has historically left many voices out. That’s why the Culture of Gardening is creating a space for all to feel seen and heard — and share the experiences that mean the most to them.
Created in April 2021 through the OSU Extension Master Gardener DEI Taskforce, the Culture of Gardening is a collection of personal stories gathered through interviews by a small team of Master Gardener faculty and volunteers, presented as an OSU Extension blog. Each story is shared in the interviewee’s exact words to preserve authenticity.
Storytellers include several people affiliated with Oregon State as well as community members. Topics include gardening as a source of healing, foods passed on from generation to generation, family history and more. The blog is part of the Master Gardener Taskforce, which includes curriculum planning, DEI trainings and events like movie nights and panel discussions.
LeAnn Locher, Oregon State’s statewide Master Gardener outreach coordinator, says the main goal of this project is to show that gardening is for everyone — and that representation matters.
“For many people from underinvested communities, it’s easy to feel like we’re invisible, like certain aspects of our lives are not mainstream,” she says. “And when our whole selves can be witnessed, and our stories valued, it creates some really special moments.”
NOT JUST A HOBBY, A JOURNEY
Each gardener’s story is inspiring in its own way. Marissa Madrigal, a gardener in Portland, uncovered a new connection to her Indigenous roots through growing maize. This sacred Indigenous crop is nourishing, comforting and helped her ancestors’ civilization flourish. Maize is the piece that holds other ingredients together in many Mexican/Chicanx recipes, like tacos, posole (soup), esquites (a toasted corn snack) and elote (corn on the cob with spices). Some of Madrigal’s favorite homemade recipes include garden salsa and fresh corn salad.
Athen Zachary has found belonging and a connection to the queer and trans community through gardening. He enjoys caring for his many pollinating plants, reflecting and meeting others in the community garden behind his Portland home. Zachary adds that he enjoys gardening because it’s something that constantly changes and evolves — and it’s an activity everyone can participate in, regardless of their level of gardening experience.
THERE’S SO MUCH MORE TO COME
While the Culture of Gardening has brought many stories to the forefront, there are more to be told. Locher says she hopes to see the number of stories on the blog double or triple, as the idea is shared by word of mouth through the OSU community and beyond.
And with these stories, our knowledge and celebration of one another can continue to grow.
If you have a gardening experience to share, or know of someone who does, contact LeAnn Locher at [email protected]. Discover more about the project at blogs.oregonstate.edu/cultureofgardening.