As a garden designer, small-scale farmer, and City’s Water Steward, Kelly Rae Kirkpatrick blends deep knowledge with a down-to-earth approach to nurture both plants and community. Her passion for hands-on learning and urban agriculture drives her to create spaces that bring people together.
From Lawn to Oasis: Kelly’s Journey
Kelly’s transformation from a chemical-laden lawn to a sustainable, permaculture-based space was fueled by her love for the land, commitment to teaching, regenerative goals, and respect for natural systems. Her yard has evolved over time, but the core vision remains the same: reconnecting people to the earth, stewarding soil health, fostering abundance, and inspiring the next generation of land stewards.
- Designing edible landscapes
- Teaching soil health
- Turning a front yard into a thriving veggie patch
These activities are just a few examples of how Kelly makes creating with plants feel accessible and reminds us that the best gardens are the ones that bring people together.
A Conversation with Kelly
Kelly was happy to share her insights on various aspects of her garden. She highlighted the importance of pollinator-friendly plants, reducing lawn size, and using integrated pest management.
- She has a full season of blooming native plants for pollinators from March/April until November
- Water features for birds and insects
- Reducing lawn size significantly
- Beehouses and nesting sites
- Integrated pest management
Kelly’s goal is to produce a variety of food, and she estimates that she has grown over 10,000 pounds of food since 2019.
Favorite Foods and Harvests
Kelly’s favorite thing to harvest is seeds. She finds them magical and easy to grow. In addition to cooking and preserving food, Kelly donates most of the vegetables to those who cannot afford fresh produce. Her favorite dishes include eggplant Parmesan, apricot cobbler, and spanakopita. Fun fact: Kelly has grown over 10,000 pounds of food since 2019 and has participated in a Princeton water study that measured vegetable yield based on water inputs.
Conserving Water, Building Soil
Kelly uses several methods to conserve water and build soil. She employs newspaper, straw, and cardboard to occlude light and kill turfgrass and weeds. The stone walls she is building retain water, an essential principle in permaculture and water conservation. Kelly is also an avid composter.
- Establishing planting areas using newspaper, straw, and cardboard
- Using stone walls to retain water
- Avid composter
Start Your Sustainable Garden
Kelly offers the following advice for creating a sustainable garden:
- Create a pollinator garden or bee lawn
- Learn to see weeds as a way to conserve water
She encourages individuals to start slow, seek advice from experienced growers, and explore resources like the Olmsted County Extension Office, the Rochester Garden and Flower Club, and the Rochester Public Library’s seed library.
“Growing food and gardening are age-old activities. They get you outside, keep you healthy, and invite neighbors to share your bounty. Start slow, and don’t be afraid to ask for help.
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