Gardener Spotlight: Ticina Williams (Plot 30)

Meet Ticina “Ti” Williams, a first-year gardener who is discovering what happens when a passion for local food takes root.

Ticina with a fresh harvest from her plot!

Hi! I’m Ticina (Ta-see-na) Williams, but everyone calls me Ti (Tee). I live in Chicago’s Washington Park community, and I’m a wife and proud mom of four sons. Professionally, I work as a Program Manager at a community and economic development organization in Hyde Park, where I get to work on initiatives that strengthen communities and

connect residents and businesses to resources.

Outside of work, I’m a creative at heart. I own Creativiti Custom Designs and Events, a full-

service event planning, consulting and party supply company specializing in custom party

supplies, favors, gifts, and creating memorable experiences. I’ve also become an active participant in our local food ecosystem. I am a State Certified Farmers Market Manager and managed the Hyde Park Farmers for 4 seasons. That experience really sparked my love for farmers markets, local food, and urban growing.

What’s your gardening story? How did you get into gardening? Did anyone

inspire you?

My journey into gardening really developed through my work with farmers markets. After

managing the Hyde Park Farmers market for four seasons, I fell in love with the local food

ecosystem and became increasingly interested in urban agriculture and growing food right here in the city. Last year, I decided to take that interest a step further and enrolled in a mini urban farming course through the University of Illinois Extension. I spent a lot of time studying and researching, but I knew eventually I needed a place where I could actually get my hands dirty and apply what I was learning.

I was also inspired by my mom. She courageously decided to start her own garden two years

ago. While I was still studying, researching, and trying to figure everything out, she simply

started growing! Watching her gave me another push to stop overthinking it and start my own gardening journey.

Tell us about your garden this season.

This is my first season, so it has definitely been a learning experience! I’m currently growing

tomatoes, cucumbers, okra, bell peppers, jalapeños, cabbage, collard greens, mustard greens, and herbs including basil, thyme, rosemary, and mint.

I've already had my share of garden adventures. I battled an ant infestation, worked to keep

everything going through a Chicago heat wave, and discovered that I had a few little garden

“friends” who apparently enjoyed chomping on my cucumbers as much as I did! Despite the

challenges, one of the most rewarding moments has been harvesting something I grew and being able to eat it right from my own garden. There’s something special about watching food grow from the beginning and then bringing it home to my family.

I’ve learned that gardening takes patience, observation, consistency, and a willingness to keep learning. Not everything is going to go according to plan, and sometimes the challenges teach you just as much as the successes.

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How did you find Maxwell Street Community Garden, and how long have you

been a member?

This is my first season as a member of Maxwell Street Community Garden. I actually discovered the garden through Instagram. At the time, I had been looking for an opportunity to apply what I was learning in my urban farming course, so when I saw Maxwell Street Garden and learned that I could apply for a space, I was excited to take the opportunity. It has given me a chance to move beyond studying urban agriculture and actually experience it firsthand.

What does being part of a community garden mean to you?

Being part of a community garden means a lot to me because it brings together so many things I care about, like community, food access, learning, sustainability, and connection.

My experience managing a farmers market for four seasons showed me how powerful food can be in bringing people together. Now, being on the growing side of the food ecosystem has given me an entirely new appreciation for our farmers and growers.

For me, Maxwell Street Community Garden is a place to learn, experiment, connect with other gardeners, and continue growing both literally and personally. I’m still a new gardener, and I definitely don't have everything figured out, but that' s part of what makes this journey so exciting.

written by Ticina Williams, posted by Dawn McKenzie