Walking down the path at El Paseo this past month, I noticed the sweet, cool scent of mint in the air as stewards pruned the Food Forest. There were neighbors out for early morning walks and a stunning, singular red cardinal flower that we collectively admired. But El Paseo isn’t just a place to admire beautiful blooms. 

On Sundays during Community Days, neighbors explore the garden and learn about native plants—like the Midwest’s own sweet pawpaw fruit, grown and hand-pollinated right in our garden! We grounded into the land through traditional plant wisdom using garden-grown herbs during our limpias and herbalism workshop with Kari S. and Cristina Puzio. Neighbors also gathered to build mini dioramas, dreaming up and visualizing future green spaces together. One of our vendors, Pavi Co., brought a friendly snake, Lili, to our green space to help us learn about the Ball Python! One of our generous young neighbors even gifted the garden a slew of mini succulents and cacti for our weekly raffles—seeing those plants head home with our neighbors is always the best part.

Over on the lawn, Luna Luz Wellness led hands-on crafting with DIY suncatchers, bee hotels, and bird feeders, while Jessica and Ms. Janeth guided us through yoga. With Danza and live music from Vivian Garcia, Saint Valentin, and Emil Rojo, the garden has grounded itself in an even deeper sense of joy.

Now that September’s here, the garden is moving right into harvest mode as all our late-summer crops finally finish ripening. We’d love for you to spend your weekend with us! Come wander the paths, lend a hand with the harvest, or just relax and enjoy the space. Join Community Days every Sunday at El Paseo until October 4th!

Start here: Look for Señor Churro for a sweet morning pick-me-up!

Fresh this week: Green beans, collard greens, jalapeños, and serrano peppers

Try this: Come by on September 27th for our Plant-based Cooking Demo with Chef Karla Adora Morales.

Keep an eye out for: Pilsen Latina Legacies tent at El Paseo Community Garden on September 13th, 20th, and October 4th. Come learn about new ways the community is coming together to create a living monument for Pilsen history and women who have shaped and continue to shape Pilsen. 

Notice: Butterflies fluttering around. 

RSVP for activities this month. Join us for our last month and participate in activations like Kids Yoga with Ms. Janeth, Community Yoga Flow with Jessica Lainez, our Ancestral Intelligence Herbalism Series, Cooking demo by Veggie Mijas and Amor y Sofrito, and Community Crafting for El Dia de los Muertos with PUÑO. Click below for details and to register. Our last market will be October 4th! 

Mark your calendars! Join us on October 10th for our annual Harvest Festival. We’re coming together to celebrate our collective growth this year with a day full of live music, fun activities, and incredible local vendors. Bring your family and friends—we can’t wait to celebrate with you!