Yakteen

There are many unknowns in terms of what shape our project will take. There’s a lot we are still figuring out. But since the beginning our values have been clear: to restore the ecosystems, to create a space that our community members can call home, and to make communal areas that provide connection and support beyond our community, with mutual aid and care at the center of our work. 

Last May, a couple of Wonderlanders planted seeds from the @paliheirloomseedlibrary in Chicago. One of them planted a single Yakteen seed in their backyard. This seed germinated and with excitement we saw the tiny plant grow about 50 feet long, climbing up a Black Walnut, and fruiting about 10 Yakteen gourds. 

In December we got together with friends to save the seeds of the Yakteen gourds. One seed became hundreds. 

One of our hopes for Wonderland is to be able to provide and distribute food, plants and seeds. This year some of the Yakteen seeds will be planted in Wonderland as a first exploration to provide space for seed saving of heirloom annual crops from places and peoples around the world that are showing us the way by resisting colonialism and capitalism, like Palestine. 

In the same way that balancing an ecosystem of non-native and native plants, and reclaiming respectful stewarding of the land, takes time, building a relationship with a plant like the Yakteen will take time. We are not set up just yet to grow and care for annual crops, but seeing the strength and resilience of this plant, we believe we can give it a try while also tending to seeds in our homes away from Wonderland.

Our hope is that this year we can have more Yakteen to share, especially with Palestinian communities and farmers - as one of our community members said, part of creating a relationship with a plant is to enjoy it, so maybe we can have a feast at the end of the summer! 

We have shared the Yakteen seeds we grew with @nabalacafeand @rogersparkseedlibrary to distribute them - make sure to follow them if you want seeds. They need plenty of space and sun :)

@trueloveseeds @experimentalfarmnetwork @hudsonvalleyseedco carry Palestinian and other amazing seeds!