Mantis Gardens

Mantis Gardens is a community-driven organization located in Asheville, NC, dedicated to cultivating a culture of sustainability and inclusivity. Founded by husband and wife collaborators, DeWayne B Love Barton and Safi Martin, Mantis Gardens aims to transform trauma and inspire love through the power of gardening. Situated in the historic Burton Street Community, the gardens stand as a testament to the legacy of entrepreneurship and community pride established by Edward Walton Pearson, Sr. The Peace Gardens offer a haven filled with art, native plants, a performance stage, and a hands-on learning lab, providing a space for individuals to learn, grow, heal, and build together.

With a deep-rooted heritage in farming and gardening, Safi Martin brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to Mantis Gardens. Recognizing the power of growing one's own food and the importance of food security, Safi co-founded Bountiful Cities in 2000 to address these issues in Asheville. As a mental health professional, she also understands the healing and transformative qualities of gardens. DeWayne B Love Barton, inspired by the support and opportunities provided by his community during his childhood, has dedicated his life to improving environments and helping others. Through his involvement with Green Opportunities and the creation of Hood Huggers International, DeWayne continues to be a grassroots leader, using his talents to uplift and transform his neighborhood. Together, DeWayne and Safi have created Mantis Gardens, a place where play and work are equal, trauma is transformed, and love is expanded.

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