The Story of the Garden

In the spring of 2023, Manny was invited to a backyard garden to pick up compost bins being donated to the Oakland School District; what he discovered was a private wonderland and the seed of what would become Fig Leaf Gardens. The small, quirky, turquoise bungalow up front gave no hint of what was waiting for him out back; a deep rolling lot, verdant with life and history.

He was greeted by the brother of one of the previous owners--an incredibly sweet and generous man--who relayed a 22 year saga of love, community, creativity, and finally tragedy when both Peter and Ilan unexpectedly passed away, leaving this space without its caretakers. The garden was all but untended for over a year with nasturtium vines blanketing buildings and garden beds overrun with weeds, but it was also in search of new ownership and someone who could keep the dream alive.

Inspired by the vision, Manny involved his friend Max, a plant fanatic who had outgrown his previous garden space, and purchased the property in August of 2023. Soon after, a third friend, Britten, was invited over and she immediately fell in love with the garden and saw in it a place to explore her own farm-to-table fantasies. They immediately got to work pruning, weeding, and reviving the space. 

Over the next year irrigation was repaired, beds were dug, trees were planted and the garden sprang back to life. Britten preserved and consumed as much fall fruit as she could, while Manny started building out the agricultural end of the project, and Max built up the infrastructure and developed the perennial gardens.

By the summer of 2024 the shelves were stocked with jams, dried fruits, fresh vegetables, and homegrown eggs. On a whim Manny signed up for a local Urban Farm tour which quickly turned into a bustling garden soirée and ideas for Fig Leaf Gardens started blossoming.🌺

Special Tribute to Peter and Ilan

Peter and Ilan poured their hearts into their home, from the unique design touches inside the house to the garden layout, artisan woodwork, use of found materials, wood-burning hot tub, and fruit trees in their backyard. Both cared deeply about their community and helping others, many of whom have shared their stories with us. We hope to keep the garden a welcoming space for all, a place anyone can come to relax, celebrate, or remember something special under the fruit trees. 

For more information, please check out this article by Maddy Taub for a beautiful, detailed account of Fig Leaf Gardens.