Genea Richardson: Gardening and Youth Outreach

The ability to interact with nature can be vital to so many people, and Genea Richardson found it especially healing during a dark time in her life. She was incarcerated for eighteen years, and one of the places she was able to find solace was outside, after taking on a job watering plants. 

“I remember I would start talking to the trees and saying, ‘Hey, Mr. Tree, I'm here to water you!’ You know, when you’re inside, your imagination is key.”

After her release, Genea got a proper introduction to gardening. Though her first job tending azaleas ended in failure, this was still a vital moment in her life. 

“Being in that garden, being able to be free with no sanctions, no restrictions, interacting with myself through the trees and the plants…that was the beginning of my true re-entry. That was the beginning of my true healing.”

Genea now takes what she learned with her re-entry to help her community. She believes that the most important work that she does is with the youth, mentoring them and teaching them how life changing plants can truly be. 

“I utilize gardening and landscaping as a way to help them to get back in touch with the true nature of themselves.” 

A film by Bettina Hanna.