Welcome to the Resistance Garden

Amalia on the farm, photographed by Chelsea Murphy

 

Our Resistance Garden Project Manager, Amalia Colón-Nava, has a deep connection to both gardening and art as a co-owner, farmer, and movement artist with Dirtbaby Farm. As an introduction to the project, we asked her about the power and potential of resistance:

What is your personal connection to resistance and gardening?

Farming, working with the soil, connects me to my ancestors and teaches me patience, and humility. It reminds me to take care of and be grateful for the earth because it is what ke›eps us alive. It also literally feeds me all summer long.

Why is a project like Resistance Garden needed right now?

The Resistance Garden project is bringing attention to the spaces in Philadelphia that are working with plants. It is important now because it is healing relationships between BIPOC people and the land. It is also doing the work of creating autonomy and independence from oppressive structures of government. Many sites are also addressing the existential threat of global warming.

What seeds do you hope are being planted through the Resistance Garden?

I’m just watering the seeds that have already been planted and weeding the edible forests so that people can see the food that is already in front of them.

Anything else you want to share about the project?

These sites are great! They are doing great work! Hope this gets people inspired to get outdoors and get to know their neighbors.

 

You can read more from Amalia, and all nine resistance partners, in our Resistance Garden zines. Click here to see pick-up locations, as well as other ways to join the Resistance Garden!

 

Funding has been provided by PA Humanities and the National Endowment for the Humanities as part of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021.