Ms. Pearl has held the vision of the garden for over 12 years. After a neighborhood tragedy, she saw a deep need in her community: to rediscover the connection between elders and young people and to remember the importance of playing in the dirt at any age. By hosting shoe sales and fish fries, Ms. Pearl purchased two lots which were empty at the time and began to garden on them. She would invite others over the years to join her and a natural community was formed with people in and outside of the neighborhood. The garden has continually transformed as much as the people who spent time there.
“Being a part of the garden is very important. Ms. Pearl doesn’t see it just as a community garden, but also as a place for healing particularly in an outdoor space.” shares Ashley Brailsford, Development Consultant for Brooklyn Heights Community Garden.
The community garden is preparing to host their annual fundraiser Heal the Block Party on September 27. Ashley Brailsford, Development Consultant shared why she is so passionate about working with the garden and their upcoming fundraiser event for all the community.
Ashley shares, “our signature fundraising event is going into the third year and it is even bigger and better this year. We have 14 vendors committed, from different types of food vendors like The Pepper Pott to The Dancing People Company and local arts groups.”
If you can’t make it out to the Heal the Block Party on Saturday, September 27, you can always support the garden.
To get more guides and stories of the people behind the culture and soul of Nashville, subscribe to our weekly newsletter HERE.
