Aspen Canton is on a mission to revitalize Statesboro's community garden, transforming it into a thriving space of growth, connection, and self-sufficiency. Driven by her own experiences as a neurodivergent individual, Canton envisions the garden, located at 130 Parker St. in Statesboro, as more than just a place to grow vegetables; it's a sanctuary for personal growth and community healing.
Canton's journey began with a realization: the constant barrage of negativity online was taking a toll on her mental well-being. Seeking a more tangible and fulfilling outlet, she turned to gardening, discovering a profound connection with the natural world.
"What we do for plants is what we should be doing for ourselves: creating conditions for us to grow and thrive," Canton explains, drawing a parallel to human needs.
This realization sparked a desire to share the therapeutic power of gardening with her community. She found the community garden, a space that had fallen into disrepair, and saw an opportunity to breathe new life into it. With the support of the non-profit organization, Keep Statesboro-Bulloch Beautiful and her mentor, Yevette McCall, Canton is determined to make the garden a vibrant hub for Statesboro residents. She invested in starter plants and never looked back.
Canton's vision extends beyond simply growing food. She aims to create a neutral and inclusive space where both neurotypical and neurodivergent individuals can connect and support each other. Recognizing the challenges faced by those with autism and ADHD, she emphasizes the importance of understanding and accommodating diverse needs.
"Don't look at me as if I have a disability, but also don't treat me as if I'm an anomaly, because I'm not," she asserts.
The garden will serve as a platform for community building, fostering a sense of belonging and shared purpose. Canton plans to organize gatherings and activities centered around gardening and self-sustainability, empowering residents to take control of their food sources and reduce reliance on increasingly expensive grocery store options. Having lost two loved ones in recent years, she also plans to incorporate grief counseling into the garden, supporting those who are healing by connecting them to the natural world.
"The one thing you can do in moments of grief is keep yourself distracted because it's so easy to get isolated," she muses.
In addition to restoration, Canton's dedication to the community garden reflects a broader commitment to holistic well-being. She’s studying traditional Chinese medicine and exploring the medicinal benefits of mushrooms, further demonstrating her belief in the power of natural remedies.
With plans to gather interested residents and begin clearing the overgrown plots, Canton is sowing the seeds of change in Statesboro. She hopes to create a space where individuals can cultivate not only plants, but also a sense of community, purpose, and personal growth. The community garden is poised to become a testament to the power of nature, connection, and the resilience of the human spirit.
"If I could teach just enough people that feeling of gratification growing something as small as a flower or a plant, imagine how much self-sustainability can come from that," she says.
Presently, only three of the approximately 22 garden beds are actively being maintained. Canton urges anyone who is interested to adopt a gardening bed, whether they have experience or not. All supplies except for seeds are included in the $25 annual fee.
To secure your plot, please visit the Keep Statesboro-Bulloch Beautiful Facebook page and complete an application at City Hall.
