Our Clients Say
"I've learned that there is healing in the soil. Everyone needs this healing"
Mama Jan, Chef
We Start Gardens' Vision
Empowering communities to transform unused land into thriving gardens that nourish people, foster connections, and regenerate the environment.​
We Start Gardens' Mission
We collaborate with landowners, schools, and communities to develop sustainable gardens, teach food and medicine cultivation, promote food security, and build resilient local food systems through education, resource-sharing, and environmental stewardship.
Core Values
Community Empowerment – We believe in equipping individuals and neighborhoods with the knowledge and resources to cultivate their own food, strengthening local food sovereignty and fostering meaningful connections.
Sustainability – Our work prioritizes environmentally responsible practices, including composting, soil regeneration, and waste reduction, ensuring that our food systems benefit both people and the planet for generations to come.
Education & Knowledge Sharing – We are committed to teaching all ages the skills needed to grow food, understand ecosystems, and nurture self-sufficiency, making food cultivation accessible and engaging for everyone.
Equity & Food Justice – We strive to make fresh, nutritious food available to all, especially underserved communities, by redistributing surplus produce, creating food hubs, and advocating for fair food access.
Collaboration & Partnership – By working with landowners, schools, families, and organizations, we maximize our impact, turning underutilized spaces into productive gardens that serve communities and foster shared responsibility.
We bring education to the community through partnerships
Derek Bryant
Past and Present Positions
Recreation Coordinator
(City of Santa Clara)
​Created and maintain the Cities first ever community garden program. I’m also lead administrator and developer for the volunteer program for the Parks & Recreation Division.
March 2018 - Present
Sales Associate
(Better homes and Gardens Realestate)
January 2016 - Present
Proudly serving Bay Area and outer areas with BHGRE Mason-McDuffie as my employing broker.I’m blessed to have access to the best technologies and marketing, the most up to date trainings, first-to market access to new homes, data on neighborhoods and trends, and professional and ethical practices and behavior. And for those who know me, knows the environmental work of Joseph Mason and Duncan McDuffie, knows the brand Better Homes and Gardens – can agree this firm fits me perfectly
Founder
(We Start Gardens)
May 2013 - Present
Head of marketing, accounting and operations for edible landscaping and consulting business in a niche market. Engage in a full spectrum of responsibilities governing the success of operations, business and brand development, and marketing initiatives. Created and manage the website, social media channels, operations documents and procedures, and promotional materials in print and video. Acquire and maintain relationships with businesses for recycled materials and with contractors or volunteers for bigger projects. Maintain relationships with over 50 customers for future up sales. Now WSG solely works contracted by several NGO’s to conduct summer and weekend gardening programs. I am currently seeking new programs and projects
Our Stories
