Rachel Nafis: Urban Flower Farmer

When you live in the city, it’s sometimes hard to find a good way to scratch that gardening itch. Rachel Nafis tried farming on the land in her backyard, but it didn’t work out the way her and her husband had expected. So, she started asking her neighbors if she could grow in their yards. 

“It's kind of this win-win thing for both of us. I'm providing generally free yard care. And in return, they're giving me a space to farm here in the city.”

Rachel loves to care for these spaces that were not being cared for. It offers her a blank slate for growing the specialty cut flowers that she can be seen carrying around the neighborhood as she makes her rounds. 

“I'm providing like a local alternative for florists to get flowers that are grown right here, you know, just much more sustainable.”

Growing communities is one of the best parts of growing plants, and Rachel is endlessly grateful for the kindness and enthusiasm that her neighbors provide. 

“I truly wouldn't be able to do this if it weren't for my neighbors and their just generous hospitality. So, they're amazing.”

A film by Bettina Hanna.

@epic.storytelling