Blooming Community: How Marisa Mender-Franklin's Flower Farm Fosters Neighborhood Connections
Marisa Mender-Franklin, an urban flower farmer in Memphis, Tennessee, expresses gratitude for the support of her neighbors, who allowed her to fulfill her dream of owning a flower shop. She started by planting flowers for her wedding and later joined a local Facebook Buy Nothing group to find unused yards to grow flowers. The community responded overwhelmingly, offering her 40 places to grow flowers for free. With the support of the group, she now runs a successful flower business, Midtown Bramble and Bloom, with nine farm plots and employs 10 people.
Inspired by similar land-share situations in other cities, Mender-Franklin transformed neglected gardens into flower beds with the help of her community. The homeowners benefit from the flower gardens without the responsibility of maintenance, formalizing agreements with leases that outline boundaries and water costs. The community aspect of the project has created connections among neighbors and gardeners, fostering a sense of community in the neighborhood.
To give back to the community, Mender-Franklin launched the Flowers for Good program, donating flowers to local organizations, schools, and charities. She also offers a free seed library for vegetables and native wildflowers. The project not only benefits the community but also supports pollinators, birds, and wildlife in the area. Despite the hard work involved, Mender-Franklin emphasizes the importance of community support and collaboration in making dreams come true.
For those looking to start their own garden or farm, online resources like regional gardening groups and matchmaking services such as Shared Earth and My Gardens Spot can help connect individuals seeking land for gardening with landowners willing to share their property. The success of Mender-Franklin's flower business highlights the power of community support and collaboration in achieving shared goals and creating a vibrant, sustainable environment for all involved.