A Holistic Approach to developing community
In Search of Our Garden
At In Search of Our Garden, we believe in a holistic approach to community and real estate development. We strive to create sustainable and resilient communities by utilizing the best available resources. We value engagement and collaboration with residents, local partners, and community stakeholders, and are committed to creating a lasting impact in the communities in which we work.
We believe that the power of collaboration is key to achieving equitable and sustainable outcomes. Our mission is to foster an environment of inclusivity and respect and to drive positive change in our communities.
A Holistic Approach to developing community
In Search of Our Garden is a small holistic community lifestyle company with a focus on community restoration, developing green spaces, energy efficient homes, and holistic restoration of communities. Our mission is to create a vibrant, healthy, thriving, and sustainable environment for our community to thrive in. We have worked hard to design a plan that works with both the environment and the needs of the community while striving to create something that is both beautiful and functional.
Through our collective effort and dedication, we hope to create something truly special. Come join us in our search for our garden.
Rooted in community
Land Beautification & Community Centered Housing
REBUILDING BIG MAMA'S HOUSE
Owned by Andrea Fenise, it is a rebuild of a family owned home with strong community roots, known as Big Mama's house.
It is currently focused on the rebuild of a family owned home with strong community roots, known as Big Mama's house. Come learn more about our projects and how you can get involved!
We are focused on restoring a place of community, social impact, and skillset in the neighborhood. We're on a mission to create sustainable resources, foster relationships and grow a network of support. We plan to offer workshops to mentorship programs, we strive to empower our neighbors with the knowledge and skills that will help them succeed just as Big Mama did in the community.
Sharing stories and the journey
GARDEN NOTES
On the Blog
Studying Zinnia Seeds
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On the Blog
Raised Beds in the Garden
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Sep 2020
Land Beautification & Community Centered Housing
DEMOLITON OF BIG MAMA'S
Excitedly ready to move forward with the rebuilding process, the the beginning of the renovation process took a turn. Along with high hopes and dreams of restoring Big Mama's, disappointment awaited. The home built in the early 1900s had infrastructure and construction features that would not pass the current code.
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Emotions were high, but Andrea Fenise knew the house had to be demolished in order to make room for a more sustainable and vibrant community. Behind the layers of old rotted wood lied delicate wallpaper and family treasures she now holds on to forever.
May 2020
Land Beautification & Community Centered Housing
PURCHASED BIG MAMA'S HOUSE
This project was inspired by Andrea Fenise’s spiritual dream, where she was led to purchase her great-grandmother’s home. Eunice Alma Harris Malone, affectionately called Big Mama by family, was a pillar in the community as the neighborhood school teacher during segregation but she also owned several properties during the Jim Crow South era. By rebuilding this home, she hopes to restore the community’s pride and create a space for learning and growth.
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Big Mama's home was purchased back from the Shelby County Land Bank after being vacant for over 10 years. The deed had only been transferred once by her grandfather to the Cox family of Hyde Park.
Apr 2023
Land Beautification & Community Centered Housing
the legacy garden
Proudly holding deeds and seeds in her hand Andrea Fenise decided to plant a legacy garden to help raise the funds to build a new community center home on Big Mama's land.
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The plan is to cultivate Big Mama’s land as the home of one of many land beautification projects that will beautify vacant lots and service the In Search of Our Garden Apothecary.
A Closer look into our growth
THROUGH THE SEASONS
Our Newsletter
Garden notes
Documenting the lessons we are learning along the way as we explore land beautification and restoration to share the impact it has on us as a community. Garden notes is the medium we share to tell stories and share lessons of creating community wealth, gardening, and holisitc developing neighborhoods.
Seeds to Blossoms
DEVELOPING A POCKET PARK
After seeing the need for green spaces in the neighborhood she purchased another lot and started In Search of Our Garden.
The purchase of this vacant lot bloomed into what In Search of Our Garden now. We have a vision to empower community members to work together to create more green spaces and infrastructure that makes a social impact.
In Search of Our Garden is focused on holistic real estate development where wellness and lifestyle are at the forefront. Our goal is to create sustainable, livable, and vibrant communities that promote the health, well-being, and prosperity of those who live there.
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We are passionate about creating spaces that are both aesthetically pleasing and environmentally conscious. We believe that everyone should have access to a safe and healthy place to call home. We strive to create communities that foster collaboration, creativity, and a sense of belonging.
Our Products
The APOTHECARY
We use sustainably grown organic herbs from our local herbal farm. We are passionate about improving the quality of life in our communities by connecting the healing of plants to the healing of people.
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