New Garden Takes Root at Le Jardin

Mother Nature held off the downpour just long enough for the ceremonial groundbreaking of Le Jardin’s new Hydroponic and Aquaponic Garden.

In yet another community-focused innovation, Eduardo Berrones, chief executive officer of Le Jardin Community Center, greeted attendees July 22 at Tatum Park.

Boards displaying the impressive layout of the three-acre site showed the raised beds, greenhouse and fruit trees planned as part of a three-tier concept designed to maximize growing space. A large multiuse pavilion will be available for farmers markets and other activities.

As Berrones explained during his remarks, Le Jardin anticipates up to five harvests per year. A mix of perennial and seasonal fruits and produce will be sold to local restaurants, while U-pick opportunities will be available to members of the community. Once the trees bear fruit and branches extend over the fence, nearby residents may even be able to pluck mangoes and more.

“When I saw the boards, I was awestruck,” Homestead Mayor Steven Losner said.

Mayor Losner opened by saying it was fitting that the garden is in Tatum Park because Russell Tatum, Homestead’s first mayor, was a visionary who helped plat the newly incorporated town more than a century ago.

“It’s not enough to grow on one level anymore; land is too expensive. This is reflective of cutting edge,” Losner continued, praising Berrones’ ongoing contributions to the community.

“I am grateful to be part of the community,” Florida City Mayor Charlotte Thompson said. “This is amazing, and I like the idea of just picking fruit.”

Homestead Vice Mayor Jenifer Bailey added her appreciation.

“Of course Le Jardin is doing this; it fits,” Bailey said. “They are planting seeds for a better future, tending to families as well as children.”

Angela TenBroeck, the contractor leading development of the Hydroponic and Aquaponic Garden, provided a thorough description of the project’s different elements.

She emphasized what she described as the garden’s organic approach, explaining that fertilizer would be derived from fish waste mixed with molasses.

TenBroeck is the founder of THF Hubery, which established the Aqua Hortus Farm brand, and the nonprofit Center for Sustainable Agricultural Excellence & Conservation. She said the organizations can assist others interested in developing similar projects.

According to a recent Le Jardin press release, supplemental nutrition funding provided by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and support from community partners made the project possible.

The initiative is expected to create a sustainable source of fresh produce for the children and families served by Le Jardin while providing educational opportunities centered on agriculture, nutrition, science and environmental sustainability.

“Once completed, the Hydroponic & Aquaponic Garden will incorporate hydroponic, aquaponic, and traditional growing methods to produce fresh fruits, vegetables, herbs, and other nutritious foods,” the release stated.

“The garden is expected to produce thousands of pounds of fresh produce annually, helping expand access to healthy foods for families throughout the Homestead and South Miami-Dade communities.”

Le Jardin Chief Financial and Operating Officer Audelia Martinez also shared her thoughts.

“At Le Jardin, we believe our hydroponic gardens grow far more than fresh produce — they cultivate healthy habits, curiosity, and brighter futures,” Martinez said.

“By engaging our Head Start/Early Head Start children and families in planting, nurturing, and harvesting nutritious foods, we are empowering them with the knowledge and confidence to make healthier choices for life.

“Together, we are strengthening families, inspiring lifelong wellness, and building a healthier community, one harvest at a time. We are grateful to the Department of Health and Human Services, our partners and supporters whose commitment makes these meaningful experiences possible.”

Berrones, who has expanded the nonprofit Le Jardin to serve more than 1,100 children and families with more than 500 employees, originally envisioned small gardens at all of the organization’s locations. When he learned about an opportunity for greater funding, he quickly applied for the grant.

“The garden will represent much more than a place to grow food,” Berrones said.

“It will provide children and families opportunities to learn, to participate, and to develop a deeper understanding of nutrition, agriculture, and sustainability. More importantly, it will help us continue planting seeds for a healthier future.”

There was another aspect of the day that demonstrated the close-knit nature of Homestead, even as its population has increased.

Berrones and Thompson attended school together from kindergarten through graduation from South Dade High School.

Losner was a few years ahead of them at South Dade, and students from the school’s agriculture program are volunteering in the garden.

To learn more about Le Jardin’s Head Start, Early Head Start and other family-support programs, visit lejardinccinc.org.