At the heart of our community, a piece of land is coming alive with purpose and resilience. This isn't just any garden—it's a celebration of community, sustainability, and the spirit of the Ocean Mamaz. Here, with our hands in the soil and dreams set firmly in the future, we're cultivating food security, ecological health, and cultural connection.
Our Mamaz Garden is already blessed with some amazing indigenous plants that we’re thrilled to nurture. These plants, each with its own story and role in our ecosystem, remind us of the strength and resourcefulness of the land we stand on.
Ocean Mamaz outside Mama Zero's home where the land donated for the garden is found.
Take the spider plant for example. Often found nestled in shaded spots, its fresh, green leaves are more than just a beautiful sight; they’re also a wonderful source of nutrients. In times past, spider plants were harvested not only for food but for their medicinal properties too. Now, they grace our garden as a nod to our ancestors and a resource for future generations.
Picture of Spider Plant found already growing in the garden! A local vegetable commonly eaten by the Giriama.
In Kenya, the spider plant (locally known as sagaa or mchicha mwitu in Swahili) is a cherished ingredient, especially among communities like the Giriama. The plant’s leaves, which are slightly bitter, are rich in nutrients like iron, calcium, and vitamins A and C, making it a staple in many Kenyan households.
For the Giriama people, and across much of Kenya, spider plant is typically prepared as a leafy green vegetable. The leaves are boiled briefly to soften them and reduce the bitterness, then sautéed with onions, tomatoes, and sometimes a touch of garlic. Coconut milk is often added to give it a creamy, slightly sweet flavor, balancing the bitterness and making it a delicious side dish known as mchicha na nazi. This style of cooking not only enhances the taste but also preserves the plant’s nutritional benefits, making it both a healthful and flavorful addition to the Kenyan diet.
In many communities, spider plant is more than just food—it’s valued for its medicinal qualities, believed to boost immunity and aid digestion. It’s a beautiful example of how traditional foods nourish the body while connecting people to their cultural roots, embodying the resilience and wisdom of the Kenyan and Giriama way of life.
And then there’s the soursop tree, standing proudly with its spiny green fruit. Its tangy, juicy flesh is a treasure that brings flavor and nutritional goodness to the community. Beyond its delicious fruit, soursop is cherished in folk medicine, known for its calming properties and a natural boost to the immune system. It’s a symbol of the gifts that nature freely offers us when we nurture it in return.
Alongside it grows the spikey monkey orange—wild and resilient, much like our Mamaz themselves. This spiky fruit may seem daunting at first, but inside lies a pulp that’s packed with vitamins and flavor. It’s a reminder that even the roughest exteriors hold hidden gems, just waiting to be discovered and celebrated.
We also have mnkonazi, or jujube, with its small, apple-like fruits. Known locally for its resilience in dry climates, the jujube tree is a testament to enduring strength and the promise of growth in challenging times. Its fruits are not only delicious but are believed to offer health benefits that keep our bodies strong and balanced.
Our vision goes beyond a garden; it’s a space for community, learning, and empowerment. We’re designing this land thoughtfully, with swales to catch precious rainwater and banana circles to improve the soil and nourish future harvests. Each plant and every design choice holds purpose, helping us tread lightly while nurturing abundance.
The Mamaz Garden is more than just plants—it’s the roots of a movement to reconnect with the earth and with each other. As these indigenous plants grow, so too does our community’s resilience and unity. We invite everyone to join us on this journey, from preparing the soil to celebrating the first harvest.
This garden is a symbol of hope, a reminder of what can bloom when we work together with respect for our land and our heritage. With each sprout and each harvest, we are growing stronger. So here’s to the journey of the Ocean Mamaz—nurturing the earth, nourishing the community, and building a sustainable future one plant at a time.
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