Backyard Gardeners Network

The Backyard Gardeners Network (BGN) is a Lower 9th Ward based nonprofit organization whose mission is to sustain and strengthen the proudly self-sufficient and deeply rooted community of the Lower 9th Ward, using our own food growing traditions as a platform to build community, revitalize the neighborhood and preserve our cultural heritage. We currently manage two community gardens in the Lower 9th Ward, the Laurentine Ernst Community Garden and the Guerrilla Garden, and are spearheading the development of the Ernst Garden Resource Center.

Our newest project, Lower 9 Growing Strong, builds upon the community’s already-established culture of growing and preparing food to engage Lower Ninth Ward children and families in activities which promote health, close-knit community and self-reliance. We offer programming six afternoons per week for all ages, youth to elders. Sessions include hands-on gardening workshops, art activities, storytelling, food preparation demos, African-centered history events, and community food celebrations.