Makin’ Gardens

Makin’ Gardens combines environmental stewardship, practical application, and knowledge to empower individuals to grow their own food. Led by Arsène DeLay, a certified Master Gardener, and green infrastructure advocate with Water Wise Gulf South, which positions her to drive meaningful change in neighborhoods that need it most.  Her history as former Program Director and co-founder of Makin’ Groceries, a supplemental food program that served the at-risk musicians and culture bearers during the pandemic, uniquely qualifies her to lead this initiative. Arsène meets participants where they are and assists in transforming lawns into foodscapes, building raised gardens, and growing food in container gardens. The program focuses on making gardening simple, accessible, and cost-effective, while offering long-term benefits of food security, self-sufficiency, and community resilience.

Both starting backyard gardens and replacing traditional lawns with plots of native plants are a direct response to climate change and the persistent problem of food deserts in the New Orleans area. By connecting the region’s long growing season with sustainable gardening practices, Makin’ Groceries helps build food security, reduce the strain on the local sewage and pump systems, and cultivate sustainability in the face of increasing environmental challenges.

The Workshops:

We’ve designed a masterclass crash course addressing the common barriers holding people back from gardening; lack of time, limited space, lack of knowledge or skills, and physical limitations.  The workshops are designed to address and eliminate these common barriers, setting recipients up for success, and empowering them to cultivate their own thriving garden regardless of the circumstances. We’re breaking this down into four sessions:  

  1. Planning & Preparing Your Space

  2. Understanding Soil, Composting, and Planting Techniques

  3. Watering, Mulching, and Maintenance

  4. Harvesting, Seed Saving, and Sustainable Practices

This is a hand-on series where we’ll guide the community through the essential gardening skills needed to turn any space into a productive foodscape, whether it’s a windowsill, balcony, front yard, or small outdoor corner. Our goal is to have recipients leave each session equipped with knowledge, the practical tools, and most importantly, a tangible garden that is ready to grow, and planting the seeds of a sustainable future.