The recent cold spell may have left its icy mark on Houston’s landscape, but at the heart of Hermann Park Conservancy, a resilient garden stands tall, defying the winter’s grasp.
KPRC 2 Meteorologist Daji Aswad delves into the frosty aftermath and discovers how Hermann Park’s family garden not only adds beauty to the park but plays a vital role in nourishing the community.
Daji spoke with Iris Clawson-Davis, Senior Director of Greenspace at Herman Park Conservancy, to unravel the story behind the garden’s survival and its commitment to providing fresh food for the community.
Clawson-Davis shared insights into the impact of the recent freeze on the family garden. “As most Houstonians know, we just had a pretty significant freeze, and a lot of our plants here are very small and tender. We went ahead and covered them,” she explained.
The family garden at Hermann Park Conservancy has been more than just a picturesque addition; since 2014, it has partnered with a women’s shelter to provide fresh food for those in need. Clawson-Davis proudly revealed, “The output is 600 pounds annually. This last year, we were able to increase output to 1,000 pounds.”
When asked about the significance of giving back through the garden, Clawson-Davis expressed, “It’s wonderful. Honestly, good healthy food is important, and being able to grow from seed all the way to how it ends up on the plate.”
As the mercury dipped, protecting the garden became paramount. Clawson-Davis emphasized, “It’s a resource we want to keep thriving and available since we know it’s going into the community.”
Walking through the Centennial Garden, visitors may notice cold damage to some plants. Clawson-Davis clarified, “We left some uncovered because many perennials will look ugly for a while, but they can take the hit. They’ll be sent all the way back to the root and will rejuvenate in the spring, giving us a lot of fresh green plants.”
For those inspired to lend a helping hand, volunteering at the family garden is a rewarding opportunity. Find details on how to contribute to Herman Park’s thriving community initiative here or email volunteer@hermannpark.org for more information.