THE MEDICINE GARDEN
AT ALEMANY FARM
A public, living apothecary
The idea for the Medicine Garden at Alemany Farm started in the Autumn of 2019, when I approached The Friends of Alemany Farm (FOAF) about starting a medicinal herb garden on the grounds of the 3.5 acre agricultural park, owned by San Francisco Recreation and Parks Department.
Since 2005, the large urban agriculture site had hosted a small herb area at the front of the farm. My first year I worked in collaboration with Richard Kay, the long-time steward of the herb area, who took a well-deserved break from running the show and "passed the torch."
In our first growing year as a medicine garden, we expanded the site with the help of interns, volunteers and a medicine garden training program run in collaboration with FOAF and a local herb shop, despite the shutdowns imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
After a year at the front of the farm, the sound and air pollution from the freeway didn’t fit the needs of a healing and education space. We decided to move farther back near the farm's central gathering space and the Dye Garden, managed by LisaRuth Elliott sprung up in our former space.
In 2021, we moved the garden to its current location behind the willow tree, northwest of the main agricultural area of the farm and at the foot (ankle?) of Bernal Hill's southern sloap.
This site is much more steep and it was historically known for mudslides. We were worried that first year if the garden would survive! We added straw waddles the first winter to divert the rain down paths instead of washing out our beds.
Luck was in our favor and the garden survived, and has thrived now ~ with plants being added each year.
We grow over 25 varieties of medicinal, culinary herbs and edible flowers which are free and accessible to the public during daylight hours.
The beauty of The Medicine Garden at Alemany Farm is maintained by a small group of volunteers who believe in accessible herbal medicine for urban people. This work is a gift to the people of San Francisco.
FAQ's
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May I harvest herbs from the medicine garden?​
Yes, absolutely. We encourage people to follow the tenants of The Honorable Harvest (see page 9), as well as not to dig up any plants without contacting the volunteers prior to harvest. We also urge you to keep in mind and understand the safety of ANY plant before consuming them.
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Can I host an event in the garden?
Technically you need a permit from the landlords, SF Rec and Park to host an event on site.
People are welcome in the space during daylight hours. If you are thinking of hosting an event in the space, please reach out. We would like to hear from you so that we are aware of how people are using the space, especially with large groups of people for an event.
We would like to be in community with people who want to use the space and we have a few pointers for you.
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Can I help?
For questions about the project, or to get in touch about volunteering you're welcome to reach out to me, Bonnie Rose (brw.herbalist at gmail dot com) with any inquiry.
