A public medicine chest grows by I-280

The Medicine Garden at Alemany Farm, founded by Bonnie Rose Weaver, is the largest urban medicinal herb garden in San Francisco. Open all year, it allows public harvesting under a communal respect policy. Volunteers have reestablished a culinary garden and expanded areas dedicated to medicinal plants. However, the garden faces financial uncertainty due to city funding cuts, which have led to scaled-back staff and programs. Community support remains strong, with volunteers contributing time and resources to sustain the garden.

Weaver highlights the garden's role in educating the public about herbal medicine through workshops. Ann Lawson, a dedicated volunteer, notes the overlap between food and medicine, enhancing the garden's purpose. The Medicine Garden stands as a vital resource, fostering community connection and knowledge.