A Passion for Stewarding a Sustainable World
By Jonathan Koury, CGC Intern
My journey into the world of sustainable horticulture and agriculture was long and winding. As a kid, my interest was dormant. I enjoyed picking blackberries in my grandmother’s yard and loved spending time on their farmland, but this didn’t grow into anything further at the time.
Later, before the COVID-19 pandemic, I was studying at the University of Cincinnati and taking a course focused on Environmental Futures. This was an interdisciplinary course combining materials from environmental science focused on the climate crisis and literature with themes of the apocalypse. Reading through Parable of the Sower by Octavia Butler took place alongside studying the impact of industrial livestock production on the environment. At this time, I was caught between majors and unsure what to pursue. This class would inspire me not only to complete an English degree in Literary and Cultural studies but foster a passion for ecological stewardship and sustainable horticulture/agriculture that would eventually grow into pursuing education in horticulture and agriculture.
When the COVID-19 pandemic arrived in 2020, I was lucky enough to participate in an online book club with a group called Permabuds. I learned not only about permaculture and how to be a better steward of the environment, but the importance of art and community engagement for fostering a symbiotic relationship between people and the environment. Understanding interconnectedness was key. Although I attended events, I didn’t have any project of my own. The opportunity for this would emerge shortly.
About a year later, I received the opportunity to assist an English professor with researching pulp science fiction asynchronously. During lunch and breaks, I would listen to archived sci-fi radio and spend time outside. The yard wasn’t being used and there were gardening supplies from a past tenant. So, I investigated ways to utilize these supplies and time.
A friend taught me how to construct a raised garden bed and grow my own plants. I started with tomatoes and cucumbers with limited success. From there, I learned more about companion planting and the benefits of planting fragrant herbs and marigolds with tomatoes. I learned more about food forests, the history of Indigenous stewardship of land, the principles of permaculture, and more. During this time, I found the Civic Garden Center as a resource for aspiring growers and attended their spring plant sale.
While gradually improving my gardening skills, I had the opportunity to work as a farmhand on an organic farm and as a conservation technician at Great Parks. Currently, I am finishing a certificate in Sustainable Agriculture Management at Cincinnati State Technical and Community College and planning to further study horticulture as well.
At my first official tour of the Civic Garden Center, I was drawn to all the preparation and work behind propagating native plants indoors. Not only was there community engagement with dozens of administered garden beds, but programs for teaching about the significance of the soils as a component of ecology and how to compost. Having the opportunity to participate in community engagement as an intern is the perfect culmination of my passion for ecological stewardship. Long past dormancy, my interest in agriculture and horticulture has grown into a passion for community building and connecting to people not only through my passions for literature and writing, but a passion for stewarding a sustainable world.
Jonathan will be helping out with our Backyard Gardens program, Market Garden Training, and HUB Garden classes as well as community garden workdays in 2026. If you see him, give him a warm welcome!