We are now farmers! : Stephanie Brown

Name

Stephanie Brown

Current place of residence

Ellenwood, Georgia, USA

What is your current occupation/work?

I am a stay at home mother and wife, who homeschools our children.

When and where did you work with Maurice?

2018

For how long did you work with Maurice?

9 months

What kind of work did you do when you worked with Maurice?

Maurice helped my family start two garden beds in our backyard. He introduced us to inter-cropping, propagation, and vermicomposting. We started a worm bin in our backyard. He also connected my husband and I to local gardeners/ farmers. We also attended a few workshops at his home and helped in his garden.

What kind of growth/transformation happened for you (and/or for the people you served) because of your work with Maurice?

Maurice shared opportunities with us and opened our minds to possibilities in the agricultural space. We no longer see our lawn the same way. We are working towards expanding our garden, and possibly doing other gardening projects. We are now farmers. Also, Maurice has taught us to pay attention to what is going on in the garden because it is in fact communicating it needs.

How has working with Maurice benefitted you and/or uplifted you?

The two biggest benefit in the internship is we are growing our own food, and lowering our grocery bill. Our extended family have benefited as well. When we have an abundance of produce in our garden we share with them.

What would you say to someone who is interested in working with Maurice in the future?

Do not hesitate to ask, and if the opportunity presents itself "Do It”.

Memories and Stories

I remember when Maurice and his family brought worms over to our home to add to our composting bin. During his visit he checked our garden to see how it was doing. We had at the time what I call "Garden invaders" a few caterpillars. Maurice pick one up and squished it with his fingers, and then told my husband it was his turn. Maurice also told us it was either our food or the caterpillar. My husband proceeded and squished the others with his boot. I am still amazed that he was able to squish the caterpillar with his fingers.

A Few Words…

Maurice is an amazing person. He has been instrumental in our family starting our own garden. His passion for gardening is contagious.

Anything else?

Maurice is resourceful. He has shared ways to acquire materials for cheap and even free for our garden, which has been extremely helpful as we expand.