A Mid-Week Blog Post (Making Up for the Missed Monday)

Hi everyone! As I dive deeper into growing food this year, I'm entering an exciting new chapter. My five-year goal feels closer than ever—something I can almost touch. Recently, I've been fortunate to reach certain milestones, but now, after relocating, I'm starting a mission that's truly for the community. No masks, no corporate whitewashing behind closed doors—just genuine impact.

This shift inspired me to write down my WHY. I don't want to carry forward the mistakes I've seen in other organizations or companies. Instead, I want to build on everything I've learned not to do.

My vision is twofold:

1. A genuine community project: Forwarding the harvest and locally gathered goods directly to those in need. This means stepping into the community's world—because I come from that place myself. I understand the importance of empathy when helping others; we have to meet people where they are.

2. My Farm Café passion: Bringing a true seed-to-plate concept to life. A farm-to-table experience supported by those who believe in it. Years ago, when "farm-to-table" wasn't even a mainstream idea, I shared this dream with a close friend from my restaurant days. Her response crushed me: "No one would go somewhere to sit with strangers and eat like that." It was just a small part of my vision, but it stung.

   
   

It didn't stop me. I held onto my heart's desire and worked tirelessly, full of devotion, to grow food and serve the community I grew up in—a place where food pantries often offer only sugary, processed items; where families face real struggles with food insecurity, clean water, electricity, and modest homes. I know that reality firsthand, and I know how I can help now. Truly, directly, for them.

At the same time, I want more: a thriving business with clear intentions. I'll always showcase a real harvest from the farm, connect with local Memphis farmers, host community events with Memphis businesses, and invite people to see what a working urban farm looks like. That's why I blog—to prove it's possible, no matter the space. Whether in containers, a few square feet, or a backyard, anyone can do it. This past year, I grew a solid harvest from limited space in my yard, plus flowers for the table and herbs in containers that I'm still using in dinners today.

I'm all in for the Memphis community. I feel blessed to be in this position—with the knowledge and resources to share expertise on growing food in an urban setting.

A gentle reminder as you support local initiatives: Make sure they're truly serving those in need. That means supporting real local farmers, verifying where the food comes from (not just bought in bulk), ensuring it's genuinely organic when claimed, and delivering it straight to community members—not just to the staff running the program.

Next Monday, I'll return to my regular Cordova Garden Guide series, with tips to help you grow your own food.

Thanks for reading—let's grow together! 🌱

**Below is my summers harvest from my small backyard last summer

Until Next Time!

Serena - The Wild Bloom Garden!