The importance of gardening extends beyond producing fresh food for communities and strengthening connections. Gardening and farming has a historical and health significance to the Black community. Enslaved Black people were forced to farm on plantations for generations and they used their farming skills to grow food for themselves to supplement their diets (Tolliver-Jackson). Moreover, gardening was an act of resistance that defied the forced labor on plantations and showed that Black people had control over their labor and their food. A tradition of growing food and connecting to outdoor spaces has followed Black communities throughout time, and it still exists for us. Black communities disproportionately experience racial violence and they can be trapped in cycles where their mental and physical health are being exhausted (Tolliver-Jackson). Gardening can act as an “outlet” for their negative experiences and give “tranquility and ownership” in situations where it feels impossible (Tolliver-Jackson). In a UK-based article reviewing the health benefits of exposure to green spaces, the author describes how “exposure to plants and gardening” can have positive health effects on patients in hospitals (Thompson). Exposing patients to green spaces or gardens within hospitals has reduced the pain of patients, improved productivity, and is connected to decreasing anxiety and depression (Thompson; Tolliver-Jackson). For Black communities, green spaces can positively impact their mental states and give them comfort. These same benefits are likely experienced by visitors to Ms.Gloria’s Garden, or other community green spaces. Green spaces can be therapeutic and social spaces, enabling strangers to visit the same place for similar reasons and be fulfilled mentally and physically.

This fulfillment was something I was lucky to experience. In addition to visiting Ms.Gloria’s garden, I experienced the positive effects of gardening and green spaces in a different location. On my second day in New Orleans, I visited Louis Armstrong park. The entrance featured various plants and trees, and there was a large path through the trees that led to Congo Square. The Square is a historic site of resistance where enslaved people gathered to share their traditions, sing, and dance. It’s a space that’s dedicated to honoring ancestry and sharing a social space. As a Black woman visiting New Orleans, it felt pleasing to be in a space that’s dedicated to honoring ancestry, identity, and memory. The day I visited I witnessed a drum circle, and I was invited to join in a dance circle along with other members of their band who were dancers. I was also welcomed to visit the ancestry tree, which was described as a site to honor your ancestors and leave offerings. It was an empowering experience to be a part of, and the nature surrounding Congo Square contributed to my experience. Combining green spaces, physical activity, and social interaction is reported to be an enjoyable type of therapy and exercise (Thompson). Spaces like Congo Square are necessary for communities because they simultaneously honor the history of previously enslaved people in New Orleans, and provide an open space for people to collectively enjoy nature.

Works Cited: 

Thompson, Richard. “Gardening for health: a regular dose of gardening.” Clinical medicine (London, England) vol. 18,3 (2018): 201-205. 

Tolliver-Jackson, Laura Jazmin. “Why Black People Are Turning to Gardening during Difficult Times.” The Palm Beach Post, Palm Beach Post, 29 June 2020, https://www.palmbeachpost.com/story/news/coronavirus/2020/06/29/why-black-people-are-turni ng-to-gardening-during-difficult-times/41743333/.