Photographs by Javonte Anderson/Capital B
Across Gary, urban gardens have transformed vacant lots and neglected parks into vibrant spaces for growing fresh, healthy food. This holiday season, these community-driven efforts took on a new significance, as the gardens provided food to residents in need, turning once-forgotten land into a source of nourishment and holiday generosity.
At the Brother’s Keeper urban garden on Broadway, farmer Alma Wilkes plucks a handful of herbs for the squash soup she’s bringing to her family’s Thanksgiving potluck.
This season, she said about 50 people have used the garden to pick their share of herbs, tomatoes, and a surprising favorite — a Japanese mint called shisho that turns drinks pink when paired with lemon juice.
“You know, people are so appreciative,” Wilkes said. “It always inspires me. You know, we feel inspired to go more.”
The garden, situated next to the homeless shelter, is more than just a source of fresh food, she said.
“Our garden is a healing space,” she said. “A space for people to come and feel encouraged in the midst of stress.”
In one example, she reflected how the garden’s lush greenery offered a welcome reprieve to a recently incarcerated homeless man staying at the shelter.
“In prison, all you see is concrete and there’s no green. So he appreciated us being there.”
Sighing with a warm smile, she reflected on all the good the garden provides for her community.
Across town in Gary’s Midtown neighborhood, Mystical Farms urban garden is also celebrating a special milestone. For the first time, Carl Weatherspoon and his co-founders, Lord Cashus D and Chris Leon, are harvesting from the garden for Thanksgiving meals.
“It’s the first Thanksgiving using things from the garden,” Weatherspoon said. From rosemary and thyme to sage and oregano, he’s been seasoning his favorite holiday dishes with herbs harvested from the single-acre garden.
“We’re using everything we cook, and we’re using our local herbs from the garden. So the corn bread, macaroni and cheese, the dressing, we’re even using peppers for the greens.”
Weatherspoon said about 25 people have benefited from Mystic Farms this holiday season, either by picking fresh produce or receiving delivery from the garden.
“It’s an indescribable feeling,” he said. “Make you feel warm on the inside and smile.”
