Abstract
In this paper, I explore the multifaceted role of gardens as spaces for self-fashioning, particularly within post-colonial contexts. Gardens, traditionally seen as spaces of beauty and tranquility, also serve as dynamic arenas where individuals and communities engage in the discovery, exploration, and creation of their identities. By examining historical and contemporary examples, including the colonial impact on botanic gardens and the post-colonial practices in Guadalupe's dooryard gardens, I demonstrate how these green spaces become vessels for personal and communal identity formation. Further, I delve into the narratives of gardens in the African Diaspora through the works of Jamaica Kincaid and Camille T. Dungy, highlighting the intersection of horticulture, blackness, and self-hood.
Applying Frantz Fanon's concept of post-colonial therapy, I analyze how gardening can serve as a therapeutic process for individuals and communities affected by the psychological impacts of colonialism. Fanon asserts that the trauma and violence of colonial rule have profound psychological effects that need to be addressed for genuine healing and liberation to occur. In this scenario, gardening provides a space for individuals to reconnect with their land, heritage, and sense of self, serving as a powerful tool for post-colonial therapy.
The resilience and collective resistance embodied in community gardens, such as those in Frenchtown, Tallahassee, illustrate how marginalized communities reclaim space and agency. Finally, through the lens of bricolage, I analyze how gardens, like myths, are constructed from available materials, reflecting the creativity and adaptability of their caretakers. This study underscores the significance of gardens as profound sites for cultural expression, resistance, and healing, offering a deeper understanding of their role in shaping human experiences and identities.