Mike Finds Healing in the Garden—and Brings a Community with Him
Story Content
Vanessa Carillo, Bilingual Youth Engagement Manager at Denver Urban Gardens, holds up garlic.
“Mike” is not just a gardener; he is a devoted steward of the land. He finds both peace and purpose in a garden and takes pride in his contribution to the Denver Urban Gardens (DUG) network of over 200 community and school-based gardens. For nearly eight years, Mike has poured his heart and soul into the same DUG garden, serving as its dedicated Garden Leader. As a Garden Leader, Mike represents the garden, nurturing not just plants, but also people and community. He cultivates a sense of belonging and connection within the community, welcoming gardeners, neighbors, and curious visitors of all ages to come dig in the dirt and share stories. He empowers individuals to be their whole, authentic selves when in the garden, facilitating engagement in unique and meaningful ways.
Mike’s love for gardening is contagious. Vanessa Carrillo Villalobos, DUG’s Bilingual Youth Engagement Manager, is one of many who applaud Mike for his contribution to DUG. Within the garden he represents, Mike creates a safe and inclusive community space for all. Vanessa recalled a recent conversation with Mike where he expressed a desire to step away from the garden, stripping himself of the role, Garden Leader. Although this came as a shock to Vanessa, the emotion in Mike’s eyes led Vanessa to ask, “Can I give you a hug?” Vanessa felt compelled to support Mike in any way possible. Following the embrace, Vanessa reassured Mike that he is a valued member of the DUG community and that someone with a love for gardening like his deserves to be at the forefront of the land.
I need my hands in the soil . . . We as people need the earth.
Mike explained to Vanessa that the winter months were recking havoc on his mental health and he does not feel like himself when he’s not in the garden. He stated, “I need my hands in the soil.” For many, gardening is a weekend hobby. For Mike, it’s a lifelong passion and the winter months, away from the garden, were starting to challenge his emotions. Together, Vanessa and Mike talked about mental health–an often quiet struggle. Vanessa reflected on how simple acts of gardening can be therapeutic and stated, “We as people need the earth.” After much reflection, Mike decided to keep his title as Garden Leader and eagerly await the warmer months. Spring was right around the corner.
While reflecting on this conversation, Vanessa emphasized how important it is to discuss mental health. Vanessa made note of how knowing where your food comes from, watching it grow, nurturing it, and knowing what you are eating is therapeutic and creates a sense of serenity. Vanessa pointed out that the conversation with Mike goes to show that connecting with the earth, whether through gardening, or whatever mode you choose, is a necessity. After the reflection, Vanessa looked around and said, “Plants make me happy. It feels good to know you can nurture something other than yourself.”
Plants make me happy. It feels good to know you can nurture something other than yourself.
Associated Case Study: Denver Urban Gardens (DUG)