Two New Beginnings members show off their bounty. Photo courtesy of Homeward Bound.
Where most people saw a parking lot, Robert “Bob” Tanem ’53 saw possibility. Tanem, who hosts a popular garden show on KSFO–AM, turned an unused bit of black top into a highly productive garden for people who are homeless. For his dedication, Tanem recently received Berkeley’s Peter E. Haas Public Service Award.
A self-described “type A” personality, Tanem sought a project after retiring from running a plant nursery. Interested in deepening his commitment to a Marin County shelter organization, he was particularly inspired by its New Beginnings program, which helps people transition out of homelessness through job training and support.
“I asked what would happen if I created a garden for the people who were serviced by New Beginnings,” says Tanem. A board member offered him a half-acre parking lot, and he went to work. “I called in chips from former business partners and suppliers. In our first year, we had about $80,000 in donations, and we grew 400 pounds of produce for the food bank.”
New Beginnings members develop gardening skills over six months, then Tanem often helps them find permanent landscaping jobs. These days, the produce they grow is donated back to the shelter organization’s culinary academy and catering program, as well as its food bank.
Tanem, a proponent of organic gardening, stresses that a thriving garden requires careful attention to the needs of its plants and surrounding environment. He recommends a similar approach for a successful and happy life.
“People ought to take a little time, discover their own talents, and do [that work] for the benefit of others. If everybody does that, many amazing things can be revealed.”
