A plot of land in the urban community of Richmond East of San Francisco is an urban oasis for a Lao couple in their 70’s, Saeng and Kert Dohngdara. The two tend to their small plot growing traditional South East Asian crops for their extended family and others in the local Lao community.
Those crops include taro, dill, basil and eggplant. Some of what’s grown is even unfamiliar to Kert. “I don’t know what it’s called,” Kert told the SF Chronicle pointing to the scalloped little leaf. “I didn’t plant it. The root is used for fever.”
The project is part of the Verde Elementary School Partnership Garden. The Dohngdaras have been part of this for 17 years. Kert comes from a family of farmers who used to grow rice in the Mekong Delta.
“It’s better than sitting at home watching TV.” Kert said.
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You can find out more about this unique urban garden program in the SF Chronicle.
