The Rooted East Knoxville Collective had an abundant growing season last year and many wonderful hours spent in the garden! Here are some reflections from one of our dedicated home gardeners in her own words:

I just need to grow my own food. It wasn’t some big epiphany that hit me. It was more like a memory calling me home.

I close my eyes and I can remember gardens in backyards, fruit trees, bare feet, clothes on the line, fresh brown eggs, meat and cakes. I remember men in overalls and women in skirts with aprons, beautiful shades of brown skin in the sun. Working in the garden. Greens, lettuce, melons, beans, tomatoes and corn. Peach, plum and apple trees, bees and flowers. 

I love to watch things grow, the smell of the dirt, the feel of it, understanding that it cradles and feeds the seed anchors and holds the roots so abundance can spring forth. It’s beautiful really.

I didn’t own any land so I bought a raised bed planter. I kept it on my back deck and planted lavender, strawberries and tomatoes. It made me smile and brought a feeling of peace that I had missed. It was such a blessing to learn about Rooted East.

When I moved to my new house I took my planter with me. I asked a friend to build me a box to grow something… anything in. I just needed to be reconnected to the earth and the practice of growing food that was fresh and clean.

I was so excited when Rooted came to build my raised bed! My children were excited, and I was so happy that they would get to experience that same feeling I grew up with playing in the garden.

I had lovely memories but no real planting knowledge. I took the class for designing your bed, prayed and just started planting.

I planted all the things from my memories: greens, okra, carrots, lettuce, beets, beans, peas. I planted herbs and flowers. I watered and I waited.  It was still like I remembered growing up. Amazingly, planted below the surface out of our sight, growth was happening.  Just when  I thought I must have over-watered or didn’t plant at the right time…. green appeared. “Look mama,” my daughter exclaimed …”over here too,” called out my son. I smiled, my heart full of hope for an abundant harvest. We watered and we waited.

I allowed myself to be still in the quiet space I created among the marigolds, wildflowers, bees and butterflies. I think I want some chickens next and a clothesline too. Seeds of land ownership are now growing in my mind.

We pulled fresh greens, okra, carrots and beans. I walked around barefoot in my long skirt with an apron I sewed — gathering it all up. I explored and explained the beauty of nature, growth, patience, labor and the reward of this work with my children.

I took pictures of my peaceful place to share with friends near and far. I found a place of balance in gardening. I praised my GOD and honored my ancestors. I was rooted once again.

Tippiewrites ‘25