Homegrown with heart
A group of tenants in the East Region used Tenant Action Funds to transform their community garden.
Tenant Amanda Brown in the community garden at the end of harvest season.
The sun is shining. A warm breeze is blowing. Buds are emerging on a branch, slowly turning into peppers, tomatoes, and even watermelon! Community gardens add life to their neighbourhoods, as the residents of 98 Elmer will tell you.
Amanda Brown, Lee Lewis, and Caroline Penny are neighbours in this East Region community. They’ve each played a part in creating the vibrant garden in front of their building.
Caroline first began the garden in 2016. “I just saw the property and the condition it was in—at first there was nothing,” she said. A landscaper for over 40 years, Caroline’s passion for gardening led her to share her expertise and transform the space with flowers, plants, and trees.
Over the years, other residents got involved. This includes Lee, who wanted to start growing jalapeños. “That’s what made me get into it, because I make my own hot sauce,” he said.
Before the 2024 gardening season, Amanda saw an opportunity to take the garden to the next level by applying for Tenant Action Funds. Lee commented that Amanda’s involvement added new momentum. “I told her, if you can get the supplies, I’ll build it.”
While Amanda took the lead on securing funding, Caroline and Lee were responsible for the gardening. “We asked everyone what kind of vegetables they like to eat,” shared Lee. He started growing vegetables from seeds in his apartment before moving them to the gardens for everyone to enjoy.
Using the Tenant Action Funds, Lee was able to build a few more garden boxes to grow even more food. “People have a hard time anytime of the year with buying groceries,” said Amanda. “Growing in such an abundance, people can come down and grab whatever they need from the garden. Everyone benefits from it.”
More than creating a beautiful space, the garden brings residents together as a place to connect, get to know each other, and share knowledge.
Tenant Action funds helped make the garden green
Rafiena Rahim, Lee’s partner, reflected that “It’s nice to have the neighbours come by and bring their little kids to show them what a pepper looks like, or what a zucchini looks like.”
Over the years, Caroline has received many compliments from her community. This fuels her passion to keep the garden going. “I get satisfaction when I walk by the garden, and I know everyone enjoys it,” she said.
Looking ahead to this summer, the group hopes to improve and expand the garden. “There’s lots of space in front of our building that’s not currently used,” Lee remarked. “It could really be used to grow more food and help the residents.”
Although gardening is no small feat, Lee, Caroline, and Amanda all agree it’s well worth the effort. “To sit here, on a summer night, and have someone come down to pick from the garden—that’s one of the best memories,” said Amanda.
Do you want to use Tenant Action Funds for a project in your community? Visit torontohousing.ca/taf to download the information package or to apply today.
