A share from our founder.
“As a child, I remember the delicate balance of waiting for strawberries to grow to their biggest … and getting to them before slugs did.”
~Henrietta C. Devine, Tagulan Founder
Born and raised on the west coast of BC
I grew up in a suburban home at the end of a cup-de-sac, with a big backyard. My grandfather had a vegetable garden that he tended to everyday. He had chickens that gave us fresh eggs every morning. As a child, I remember the delicate balance of waiting for his strawberries to grow to their biggest … and getting to them before slugs did. I remember picking sweet peas off the vine after school. I remember harvesting vegetables, making homemade soups and always having an abundance of fresh produce. He grew all of it from seed. This was life for my family. My grandfather taught me to play with my food, have fun with it and value it.
Today, many of us have lost touch with how our food is made. And it’s no wonder: few of us have any outdoor space to begin with. Plus, why grow veggies from seed, when you could run to the supermarket on a whim? But with convenience, I think we’re losing something valuable: the sense of play, appreciation and pride that comes with growing your own produce.
What the fudge! It doesn’t have to be this way. That’s why I was inspired to create this company.
It’s been important to me to ensure my own little family knew how to play with their food.
We don’t have a yard of our own but we do have a balcony that we grow herbs on. And we’re lucky enough to have access to the community garden in our building’s courtyard and throughout our neighbourhood.
I’ve watched my children flourish in the outdoors and in community gardens. I’ve seen the joy on their faces as they plunge their hands in the dirt and the pride when eat the fruits of their labour. I think everyone could benefit from this connection to food. In my mind, it is the cornerstone of healthy living.
At TAGULAN, we want to inspire adults and children alike to grow, value and have fun with their food. That’s why part of our proceeds go to supporting local organizations that can educate children about agriculture in the urban setting.
So go. Plant a seed. Grow some spinach. Smell the rosemary. Join a community garden. Visit your locals farmer’s market. And for radishes sake: get your hands dirty!
Thanks a bunch-of-carrots!
~Henrietta C. Devine
Founder & Creative Designer, TAGULAN