By Assunta Ng
Northwest Asian Weekly
Back row, from left: Bob Santos, Hyeok Kim, Jonathan Chen.Front row, from left: Su Lee Jin Yuan, Shei Whay Jou, Sau Ngai Choi, Yue Mei Chen, and Gui Juan Chen.
You might notice that fall has changed the color of many green trees to dry, yellow brown. However, the Danny Woo Garden in Chinatown/International District remains in lush greens.
Donated by the Danny Woo family and located on Main Street South and Seventh Avenue South, there are fruits and veggies in several plots of land. Also, a dozen chickens roam inside a fenced pen. I thought there would be a smell along the way, but I was wrong. The garden is clean and pleasant to wander around in.
This community garden is not just for growing food; it serves a meaningful purpose for the ID’s elderly residents and families. They grow their own healthy food and can exchange their harvest among friends. The garden encourages residents to make friends with one another. It gives them a meaningful lifestyle, fostering independence and a spirit of innovation in trying out new crops.
Recently, I got to taste some good Asian veggies from the garden, from the proud work of ID women.
Conceived of and founded in 1975 by Bob Santos, activist and community leader, the garden has flourished into a community gem.
Thank you, Bob and Danny Woo family for your vision. (end)