Patricia Parks: A cuisine pioneer and “plant-to-plate” enthusiast!
The Vegan Chef's Garden is dedicated to empowering individuals to embrace a sustainable lifestyle through gardening and plant-based cooking. Our main offerings include: garden consulting tailored for beginners, 1:1 and team coaching with guidance and information to empower gardeners to grow independently and a collection of garden-to-table recipes that highlight the beauty of seasonal produce. Successful gardening begins with the soil beneath our feet. The clients who work with us gain the understanding that if you create a healthy soil, your plants will look after themselves.
With nearly 25 years of professional experience in various culinary environments, including restaurants, hotels, and meal preparation, our founder, Patricia Parks brings a wealth of knowledge to this venture. As a mother, wife, and world traveler, she understands the importance of cultivating not only good food but also strong family ties and community connections through the process of growing and preparing meals together.
At The Vegan Chef's Garden, we aim to create a supportive community where the love of cooking and gardening can thrive, making sustainable food practices accessible to everyone, no matter their living situation.
Jamaica, West Indies circa 1986
In the cherished photograph, I stand beside my grand-uncle Alfred, a figure whose hands were calloused by years of tending to the earth. Growing food wasn't just a pastime for him; it was a legacy woven through generations. His land was a vibrant testament to his hard work, filled with the rich aroma of coffee bean trees reaching for the sky, the sweet scent of ripe mangoes, and rows of flourishing callaloo.
The yams, enormous and impressive, towered above my small frame, a symbol of the fruits of his labor and dedication. Each plant held a story, a piece of history rooted in the soil—a reminder of the connection we have to the land and to each other. This moment captures not just my childhood but also the essence of nurturing and sharing food that has been passed down through my family, instilling in me the same passion for growing and appreciating what the earth provides.