Our Mission is to empower youth to go beyond normal.
To find joy in nature. To grow love.
To steward a space that allows you to come back to your unique individual path, finding you.
Welcome to our Humble Garden
We have come to know, with all certainty, that living in a reciprocal relationship with our earth is key for any being to completely blossom into their fullest potential. Our programs are dedicated to supporting our local youth, and their peninsula-wide communities, in their understanding of who they are from the inside out and how to balance that in relation to everything that surrounds them externally.
Our garden sits at the entrance to the Stonington Transfer Station on donated farmland that was once used as the town’s dump site. We’ve brought in soil, created raised vegetable beds, a magical herb circle and a pollinator flower garden. Today, our edible landscape has grown to include 50 grapevines that tether the south side of the field and 30 fruit and nut trees and shrubs that hug all sides of the fence and expand to the beehives and milkweed under the two hundred year old apple trees.
Our garden method is an intuitive blend of restoration, permaculture and biodynamic practices. We are guided by the principle of reciprocity. We are committed to exploring the dynamic process of life rather than having prescribed outcomes and conditions. Our intention is to feed the soil using compost/plants/manure, to sow seeds with the natural rhythm of the moon, and to harvest with gratitude. We re-use natural materials including cardboard and straw for mulching and water retention, and we avoid the use of pesticides, fungicides, herbicides, and plastics – seeking a natural balance of all life in the garden. We dry farm, catch water in rain barrels for the greenhouse and rely on no local well sources.
Working outside with the land encourages the free flow of communication and is an ideal way to build healthy relationships with one another and nature. While the greenhouse and garden beds are delighting the community with seasonal bounty this thriving natural vessel has become a restorative place of nourishment, peace and learning.
Garden Agreements
Speak thoughtfully ✧ Listen with an open heart ✧ No shaming, no blaming ✧
Be open to change & exploration ✧ Voice your needs, receive support ✧ Honor & celebrate nature
Thank you for helping us create a positive future.
We are deeply grateful for your consistent belief in our efforts.
Our Beginnings
In 2011, Ready By 21 Mentoring, the parent oragnization of the Garden Project began. Its committment was in the process of working with youth where they are, and developing invaluable relationships of mutuality. Inviting young people to teach us the best ways to support them created a foundation of witnessing and validating that allowed over 150 emerging adults to feel both seen and heard – an incredible tool of empowerment that can support people in moving forward in their life journeys.
Founder & Executive Director
Kyra Alex founded Ready By 21 Mentoring in 2011 after 15 years as the chef and owner of Lily’s Cafe in Stonington. Upon closing the cafe to further pursue her passions, it quickly became apparent to her that she would most miss working with island youth. Ready by 21 Mentoring morphed into what is now the Garden Project. Tending to her heartfelt connection to the earth and its inherent sources of joy, she is grateful for her place of belonging on the island and the opportunity to support young people in developing meaningful relationships with themselves, the earth and each other.
Board of Directors
Jeff Olson | Ned Witte | Eryn Klemenz | Kyra Alex | Sarah Forosnai| Brinna Davis | Debra Schad
“Our roots are in joy, love & compassion.”