The root of all health is in the brain.
The trunk of it is in emotion.
The branches and leaves are the body.
The flower of health blooms when all
parts work together – Kurdish Proverb
Edmondson Pike Library: A Garden Retrospective
How it all started
In 2019, former EP manager and current Assistant Director of Education and Literacy, Linda Harrison commissioned to have plans drawn up to create a community garden. As we all know, 2020 was a doozy of a year, and all forward momentum for the plan ground to a halt! But then unbeknownst to everyone, our garden champion, Selva, stepped on the scene!
How It Went Down
Selva transferred to the Edmondson Pike branch from the Southeast branch. She spoke with her supervisor, Jai Sanders, about creating a community garden, and even joined the library’s sustainability committee to seek converts and recruits-- not really, but that’s how I like to think of it!
In August 2023, Selva and Jai connected with the man, the myth, the Be Well at NPL Coordinator himself, Bassam Habib. Selva spoke with other very important people, but for the interest of time, think of Jai, Bassam, and Selva as our dream team to match all dream teams.
In no time at all, Selva formally presented her garden proposal to EP’s interim manager and current Assistant Director, Kyle Barber. A task force was created, which I somehow became a part of. I still have no clue how that happened; I just sort of moseyed into a conversation, and boom, taskforce! Other, more intentional participants were EP’s team big bro and little sister combo, Magdy and Lily Caroline, play cousin, Mohammad, and team mom, Anisa!
By the winter of 2023, Bassam had introduced us to Adria Osborne (Everbloom Gardens and Consulting), who planned and designed the garden while Jai investigated our water sources with NPL’s maintenance staff and administration. Also, Anisa and Selva collected soil samples to be tested, and Jai invited the Tennessee Environmental Council, Mid-Cumberland River Compact, and Nashville Tree Foundation out to the proposed garden site to request knowledge and ongoing assistance.
By spring 2024, we had our garden supplies ordered and multiple garden workdays planned out. Selva contacted multiple organizations and home improvement stores who offered to provide gift cards, supplies, and labor to help make our garden a success. Bassam and Magdy used their combined strength and know-how to build out the garden beds while solidifying their uncle status among the team.
Bassam also introduced Joseph Bazelias of Ether Nashville to Sade and Selva. Bassam knows everyone in Nashville, and I’m sure of it! Joseph works closely with Black and Brown organizations around Nashville to create community, a social safety net, and positive outcomes for communities of color; especially those communities that are most at risk of experiencing poverty, environmental injustice, etc. We are very hopeful of continuing our partnership with Ether Nashville and meeting Joseph helped our team realize we are on the correct path with not only our garden planning but also our community building.
Looking Towards the Future
As we conclude our first year, our team is optimistic. Although several members have moved on from libraries, we remain hopeful for the continued growth of the NPL garden community. Our key goals for 2025 include:
- Building resilience among community members
- Promoting justice and healing through self-care and community care
- Creating safe and comfortable spaces for community members to use
- Empowering our community members through knowledge building.
We look forward to building this extraordinary garden community with everyone!
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