O Grows community garden is hosting its spring garden opening and goat yoga this Saturday, April 19, at 10 a.m. This Easter weekend activity is free and available to all ages in the Opelika and Auburn communities.
O Grows, also known as Opelika Grows, is located at 1103 Glenn St. in Opelika, Ala. The garden is known for its farmers' market, which includes a wide range of fresh food and products. It is a community garden that allows the community to have open spaces to plant fruits and vegetables. The garden is a partnership between Auburn University, the City of Opelika, Opelika City Schools and Envision Opelika.
One of the main goals of O Grows is to fight food insecurity in the Opelika community. O Grows is reaching this goal by donating farm-fresh vegetables to the housing authority and the senior center across the street.
Saturday mornings at O Grows typically involve volunteers giving back to the community in some way. Hosting goat yoga is one way that the garden gives back.
Reminding people to get outside and enjoy the small things is also a goal of the garden. Giving kids the opportunity to get away from their screens and get their hands in the dirt is another thing that O Grows prides itself on.
Antonio Martinez, the farmers' market manager at O Grows, has been a part of the team for about a year. Martinez helps behind-the-scenes with programming, education and special events.
“My favorite part about O Grows is simply the people. Most people do say this about their jobs, and this is because we gather together to be put into a relationship with one another rather than just work together,” Martinez said.
Goat yoga is one outlet that O Grows uses to attract the community to the hard work they have been doing. The yoga class can hold up to 50 people, and the instructor, Lela Anderson, welcomes everyone. Beginners to advanced yogis are encouraged to come try something new and different.
“This is an opportunity for people to gather to interact with the goats — people love the goats. We have four baby goats that will be wandering around,” Martinez said.
O Grows' Facebook and Instagram keep the community updated on different events and the garden's stock of food. They also like to share the work they are up to in the Auburn and Opelika areas.
Do you like this story? The Plainsman doesn't accept money from tuition or student fees, and we don't charge a subscription fee. But you can donate to support The Plainsman.
