On a warm summer afternoon at Costello Urban Farm, the garden buzzes with life—the hum of bees, the rustling kale leaves, and the steady hands of gardeners tending rows of beans, kale, cucumbers, and tomatoes. Among them is Florence, a founding member of this garden since it started in 2013, whose roots stretch all the way back to Kenya.

Florence has been planting beans, kale, cucumbers, and tomatoes here for years, but her garden is more than just a patch of earth—it’s a living bridge between continents and generations. In a recent video conversation, Florence shared how she lovingly plants and cooks her beans, preparing a flavorful soup with onions, tomatoes, and garlic, perfect to enjoy with chapati, a beloved East African flatbread.

But here’s the beautiful twist—she also sends these very beans to her son in Kenya so he can grow the same variety there, keeping their family’s farming traditions alive across oceans.

What does it mean to plant seeds in one place and watch them flourish somewhere else? How do gardens connect us beyond borders? Florence’s story reminds us that community gardens grow more than just food—they cultivate culture, family, and hope.

Nearby, another gardener, Conseta, also from Kenya and new to the Giuffrida Pl garden this season, is nurturing kale, peppers, and amaranth alongside her two sons. She marvels at the differences between gardening in America and Africa but embraces the lessons learned from neighbors and the joy of teaching her kids to grow their own food.

Together, these women are passing down a legacy of resilience and connection that blooms every season in Lawrence’s community gardens. Their stories show us that every seed planted holds a promise—of tradition, nourishment, and belonging.

We’re honored to share this journey with them and celebrate the rich, intergenerational wisdom Kenyan women bring to our community gardens.

…Their stories show us that every seed planted holds a promise—of tradition, nourishment, and belonging.

At Groundwork Lawrence, we celebrate stories like Florence’s during Urban Agriculture Week—a special time to honor how urban farming connects us all. More than just growing food, it’s about growing community, building food security, and nurturing hope right here in Lawrence. Together, we’re planting the seeds for a healthier, stronger future where everyone has access to fresh, nourishing food and the chance to thrive.