In Pope Francis’ Encyclical Letter, “Laudato si’ – On Care for Our Common Home”, he notes that scripture tells us to “till and keep” the garden of the world (cf. Gen 2:15). “Tilling” refers to cultivating, ploughing or working, while “keeping” means caring, protecting, overseeing and preserving. He calls on all of us to consider how even our smallest daily actions and decisions can shape the future of the planet, for better or for worse.
This winter, staff members in the Collaborative Offices (the former Saint John Convent building) came up with the idea of using the roof of the former sunroom to “till and keep” a vegetable garden – the kind of small step that can help shape a better future. Rooftop gardens can have a positive environmental impact, because the increased surface area of vegetation lowers the surrounding air temperature, and the vegetation helps absorb and purify rainwater and storm runoff. Rooftop gardens can also supply food and shelter for pollinators and birds.
We started indoors in early spring with organic seeds from Southern Exposure Seed Exchange, a worker-run cooperative where every worker has a voice in the decisions of the company and where workers receive equal compensation regardless of the economic value traditionally placed on the jobs done.
Later the plants – four different varieties of tomatoes, basil, and kale – were moved up to the roof deck for the summer, where they are thriving! (And safe from the bunnies who quite enjoyed the kale while it was at ground level!)
We plan to add lettuce and other fall vegetables later this summer – stay tuned for updates!