History of the Growing Center's Community Herb Project

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2020-2021

 

The Community Herb Project increases equitable access to herbs in Somerville by providing space for cultivation in the Growing Center’s quarter-acre of public land, prioritizing community input in deciding what is grown, and offering participatory educational events to foster an appreciation and greater understanding of the role of herbs in medicinal, culinary, and other therapeutic practices. By spreading the benefit of locally grown herbs to herbalists, educators, kids, and community members in need, the Project expands the reach of the Growing Center beyond the garden gates.

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An initiative launched in 2020 during the COVID pandemic, the Community Herb Project was spearheaded by Site Coordinator/Children in Nature Initiative Coordinator Paula Jordan and Growing Center volunteer Alexandra Williams, with support from Growing Center volunteers.

 

This project facilitates the sowing and harvesting of herbs, brings children and adults to the Center to learn about herb production and use in a variety of contexts and programs, and nourishes community members - some in need - through donations to the Somerville Community Fridge, Early Head Start, Connexion Kitchen, IMPACT moms group, YMCA/PHA children and youth, and Growing Center volunteers. 

 

The annual CommuniTEA event, held most years in October since 2020, offers Growing Center volunteers an opportunity to explore the power of herbs in more depth. Led by the Boston-based urban farmer, florist, educator, and creative Sabrina Pilet-Jones, CommuniTEA ceremonies provide a way for folks to integrate the healing practice of drinking herbal tea for wellness and relaxation into their lives while meeting new people and creating something in community. It was first begun as a support during covid - a recognition of mental health struggles many were facing. But it was also focused on offering volunteer support and engagement, plant connection, and community building; and providing financial commitment to and other recognition of BIPOC herbal makers/healers. 

In order to increase capacity of this project, the Friends of the Community Growing Center applied for and received a $4,000 Grants 4 Plants Award from Mountain Rose Herbs in 2021.

 

With this important funding, we were able to:

-Harvest and dry herbs with the help of our volunteers and children from Early Head Start;

-Contribute donations of herbs to the Somerville Community Fridge;

-Pay local herbalists to host events at the garden;

-Plant garlic with preschoolers from the Somerville YMCA Preschool;

-Make and give away herbal products such as salves and tinctures; and

-Purchase children’s books with diverse representation.