In our new feature, area growers introduce their gardens. This week Jackie Dobrinska tells us about the functional herb garden she founded as part of The Lord’s Acre community garden in Fairview.
Mountain Xpress: Tell us about your garden.
Dobrinksa: Our goal is to empower and nourish members of the community through herbs and herbal education. We do this by growing and distributing free and low-cost functional plants; offering educational opportunities related to their use; and providing a place where people can connect to the earth and to each other.
The garden started in late winter of 2012 after Susan Sides [executive director of the Lord’s Acre] and I started a conversation about beginning an herb garden. I applied for some grants, and when two were awarded, I realized the garden wanted to come into being.
With the help of many generous hands the garden blossomed. In the coming years we are looking to bridge more partnerships within the community and supply more access to herbs to those in need. Part of the goal is to work with schools, women’s shelters and other community groups.
What do you grow?
We focus on local, abundant medicinal herbs that are safe and effective at promoting health, and are self-sustaining.
Imagine all plants falling along a spectrum: On one side of the spectrum is food and on the other are toxins. In the middle are medicinals. We focus on the side of the spectrum between food and medicinals — spices, tonics and medicines that most people can use.
Some plant allies that live in the garden include echinacea, chamomile, holy basil, calendula and ashwaganda to name a few.
Why is this your passion?
Herbs are “the people’s medicine” and are so empowering. When I get a cold, sting, cut, infection, bellyache or other ailment, instead of going to a drugstore I first go to my herbal medicine chest.
The garden is a place people can go to get their hands into the dirt and be transformed, even while they are helping others to transform. Our garden is one part magic, one part service, one part transformation and one part empowerment.
How can I get involved with the herbal garden?
The Lord’s Acre (and the herbal garden) has a garden workday every week from spring until fall — 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Wednesdays. You can learn more at thelordsacre.org.
This year, we will have two plant adoption days to continue to fill out the herb garden. The first of these will be held on April 26 from noon to 4 p.m. If you have herbal splits or starts you would like to donate, contact me a jldobrinska@gmail.com.
What are some techniques you recommend for people wanting to start an herb garden at home?
Go into your yard and look around. There are a lot of plants there that you might consider weeds that actually have tremendous medicinal value. Learn about them, make them your ally. It starts by making plants your friend, building a relationship with them, and bringing them into your life.
Jackie Dobrinska is a yoga therapist, author, health educator and outreach coordinator for Red Moon Herbs. For more information on the functional herb garden, contact Jackie via jldobrinska@gmail.com or asimplevibrantlife.com.
Before you comment
The comments section is here to provide a platform for civil dialogue on the issues we face together as a local community. Xpress is committed to offering this platform for all voices, but when the tone of the discussion gets nasty or strays off topic, we believe many people choose not to participate. Xpress editors are determined to moderate comments to ensure a constructive interchange is maintained. All comments judged not to be in keeping with the spirit of civil discourse will be removed and repeat violators will be banned. See here for our terms of service. Thank you for being part of this effort to promote respectful discussion.