By Fred Meyer

This spring, we will celebrate our transition from Backyard Abundance to EarthMind Practice as well as the release of our book, “Low Maintenance Eco-Gardens: A Practical Guide to Creating an Easy & Sustainable Garden that Nourishes You.”

After more than 20 years of helping people grow food, support wildlife, and create resilient landscapes, we have grown beyond the backyard. Our new name – EarthMind Practice – better reflects the work we’ve already been doing for the past decade with healthcare organizations, farmsteads, churches, schools, neighborhoods, and public spaces.

A timeline of “Our Story” can be found by scrolling down the our About page, which shows our progression from backyards.

What’s Staying the Same:

• Practical, research-based edible gardening and habitat design
• Hands-on education and community projects
• Strong partnerships with local organizations

What’s Shifting:

We’re naming something that’s already been part of our work: how gardening and time in nature reduce stress and support mental well-being. We’ll keep teaching people ways to grow; we’re just being more intentional about supporting how they feel while they grow.

Our work with Iowa City Parks and Rec and the gardens is continuing. We’re still caring for and teaching in those spaces, and this transition won’t at all interrupt these activities.

Scheduling is in the works for several small events around the Iowa City area, including a raised-bed class co-hosted with the Iowa City Bike Library. 

On Sunday, April 19, EarthMind will hold “Neighborhood Fruit: Growing Together,” a class from 2-3:30 p.m. on how to establish fruit trees and berry bushes with fellow neighbors at Jenn’s Edible Oasis, 102 Parsons Ave., Iowa City.

^{Foraging for Mushrooms at Hickory Hill Park (left). Ancestral Firecraft at Scattergood Harvest Festival (right).
Photos/EarthMind Practice.}