Sarah Enselein uses and teaches others to use natural and organic gardening methods.
By Lana Pierce
“April is the cruellest month, breeding lilacs out of the dead land…” wrote T.S. Eliot over 100 years ago.
In its simplest explanation, that poet recognized a cycle of life from death to life to death again: a metaphor for the spirit, for the city, for almost anything we hold valuable.
But I’m often reminded of that first line when I see a stubborn flower protruding from downtown walks or note the solitary milkweed that, despite our five years of weed killer, refuses to die.
Like those leafy survivors, Sarah Enselein brings forth the beautiful in the small patch on Hazel Street known as Community Network Garden of Meditation at S.A.I.L.S.
In its infancy, the garden hosted roses planted by local activist Tim Looper. His friend, Sarah, realized through therapy that she wanted to “get out of her own head,” and lend a hand. When she moved to Arkansas, she began to spread her love for plants and gardening by teaching others how to grow food in tiny spaces, upcycle, and repurpose.
This spring, Looper and Enselein solicited the help of hands-on volunteers. Several organizations and individuals have assisted in the Garden’s expansion, which now includes vegetables, large raised beds, flowers, and décor like birdbaths and wind chimes—all near the heart of downtown.
“Everything in the garden is pollinator-focused,” says Enselein. She uses (and teaches others how to use) natural and organic methods and recycled items. If you are interested in volunteering, call 501.420.2335 or email Enselein at bflygardens@yahoo.com.
Lana Pierce is a 19-year veteran of the NLRFD who lives in Hot Springs and owns RetroFit.
