Top. Bill, one of the Garden’s compost experts, checks the temperature and decomposition in the compost bins. Bottom. Careful thinning ofchard seedlings by Mac and Mark creates a strong, bountiful crop. marginalized and discarded by society, come to the Garden and regain a sense of worth and purpose. History Paul Lee, an internationally renowned herbalist, former UCSC Professor of Philosophy, and longtime advocate for the homeless, inspired Lynne Basehore and Adam Silverstein in May of 1990 “to transform the vacant lot into a healing, productive garden.” Paul, after receiving a donation of herb plants from a store in Carpenteria, California, knew that “if we had a couple thousand plants on hand we would have to get them in the ground; hence, the Homeless Garden Project!” Lynne began recruiting homeless workers from the shelter to come and work for a few hours here and there, getting the herbs in the ground. Since the herbs needed watering, and since Adam had experience in irrigation systems, he too became a part of the crew. As with most projects, funding quickly became an issue. Paul’s exbrother-in-law and accomplished actor Harrison Ford was “appealed to and kindly sent a check.” After nine months of volunteering, Lynne, Adam, and the homeless crew finally had regular paid hours. Lynne took on the administrative functions as Project Director and Adam became the Garden Director. More homeless people were hired to grow a variety of vegetables and flowers, as well as the herbs. Jane Freedman became director in November 1991, after Adam decided to do similar work in Colorado. Jane apprenticed at the University of California at Santa Cruz Agroecology Farm and Garden for six months, after which she stayed on to impart what she learned to new students. Her sustainable agriculture skills, teaching ability, commitment, and sense of humor have been central to the success of the Garden Project. In reference to the “horticultural therapy” aspect of the garden Jane once joked, “We may not have any couches, but we certainly have a lot of beds.” Sustainable agriculture The Garden uses Alan Chadwick’s French-intensive/ bio-dynamic, raised-bed method of gardening. The Page 4 RAIN Spring 1993 Volume XIV, Number 3
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