In this engaging conversation, Heather Jerrard speaks with Arlene and Mark from Bufco, the Backyard Urban Farm Company in Toronto. They discuss their unique mission to promote edible gardening and reconnect people with nature. The conversation explores their journey from the film industry to urban gardening, the importance of community engagement, and the growth of their business. They also touch on the significance of mentorship, diversity in gardening, and the deeper connections we can foster with nature through language and acceptance.

Marc (he/him)/ VP Operations, Installations Marc is a meticulous project manager with a focus on customer service excellence and is driven by his desire to deliver product and services that meet or surpass the highest expectations. Marc is an avid outdoors enthusiast, loves wilderness camping, canoeing, and fishing. He also has a deep connection with music, spending his spare time playing guitar and piano. “Nature is medicine for the spirit. Music is medicine for the soul.”

Arlene (she/her)/ CEO; VP Gardening Division; Garden Designer Arlene is an avid gardener and life-long learner who loves to share her knowledge. She is an Organic Master Gardener, an Accredited Organic Land Care Practitioner with SOUL (Society for Organic Urban Landcare), and has a Diploma in Organic Land Care from Gaia College. Arlene is also an Emmy award winning television director and writer. (Photograph: Brianna-Roye) Takeaways

Buffco specializes in creating edible gardens for urban spaces.

Gardening fosters a deep connection with nature and community.

Failures in gardening are opportunities for learning and growth.

Community engagement is essential for successful urban gardening.

The transition from film to gardening was driven by a desire for meaningful work.

Mentorship plays a crucial role in the gardening community.

Diversity in gardening leads to resilience and sustainability.

Language shapes our relationship with nature and the environment.

Personal reflections on gardening reveal insights about life and acceptance.

Creating biodiverse environments contributes positively to the ecosystem.

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Keywords

#Bufco

#urbangardening

#ediblegardens

#communityengagement

#gardeningeducation

#Toronto

#pollinatorgardens

#sustainablepractices

#mentorship

#diversity