Local Author and Gardener Encourages the Neighborhood to Grow

Jimmy Williams’ front yard is a botanical wonderland. Organic, heirloom, exotic, vegetable, fruit and herb, you name it, Williams has it or something you’ll like even better.

And don’t worry if you don’t have a green thumb. Williams has more than two. 

Gardeners On the Go

“I’m non-stop. There’s so much to be done,” Williams said while juggling chores at his Silver Lake nursery on a recent afternoon.

Williams and son Logan run Logan’s Garden, formerly known as HayGround Organic Gardening. They specialize in designing, installing, and maintaining edible gardens of all sizes and variety for all sizes and variety of client.

“I think people are finally getting it,” Williams said of the recent rise in home gardens and interest in locally grown produce. “It tastes better.” But unlike many hardcore urban farmers, Williams doesn’t scoff at the convenience of grocery stores. “I go there when I want something I don’t grow,” he said.

Seed to Skillet Is A Classic

Williams and longtime friend, gardener and writer Susan Hegger, co-authored the popular home gardening book Seed to Skillet, published in 2010. The book provides guidance from garden preparation to meal preparation along with information on the history and benefits of a home garden. The two are brainstorming a second book.

“I learned it all from my grandmother,” Williams said of his gardening know-how. “Best school in the world.”

Raised on Long Island with 11 siblings, Williams remembers always having a garden. His grandmother passed down the instinctive gardening wisdom of her Gullah culture – known for their cultivation of rice - including the belief that working the soil nourishes the soul as well as the body.

From New York to Los Angeles

During the 1980s, Williams lived in New York City and designed sportswear. After creating his first two gardens - rooftop plots in Manhattan - Williams moved to Los Angeles, settling in the Larchmont area. There, he built a backyard garden that was so productive he gave away plants and produce to neighbors.

“The secret’s in the soil,” Williams hinted. “What goes on under the ground is the most important thing.”

Williams’ nursery is completely organic and plants are grown from heirloom seeds or cuttings. Some unique options include red Malabar climbing spinach, collard green “trees,” giant Incan limas, and a Brazilian bananas tree that produces Creamsicle-flavored fruit.

Logan’s Garden is also a place to grow spirit. Ruthie Gambel met Williams at a farmer’s market. After learning Gambel was recovering from an injury and unemployed, he offered her a job labeling plants. “He said, “You wanna come write on popsicles sticks?” Gambel explained. “It made me really happy.” Gamble has since learned to do a lot more at the nursery. “Jimmy’s great. Of course, the plants are nice, too,” she joked.

Nice Plants, Nice People

“I love it,” Daisy Tonantzin said of her job, noting that Williams likes to joke. Tonantzin also met Williams at a farmer’s market and “nagged” him for a job. “I think he needed me,” she teased while carrying a heavy soil bag, “Oh, he’ll work you!”

Clients visit Logan’s Garden by appointment. Williams and staff help clients chose plants based on their personal likes and then install their custom garden for them. Logan’s Garden will also continue to maintain the garden so that all clients need to do is harvest and enjoy.

Logan’s Garden sets up weekly at the Hollywood and Santa Monica Farmer’s Markets. Seeds, plants, and advice are offered along with Williams’ enthusiasm.

“I want everyone in Southern California to have a garden,” Williams said, smiling.

For more information on Williams and Seed to Skillet, go to the book’s website. To make an appointment to visit the nursery or to learn more about Logan’s Garden’s services, call Williams at 323-216-0379. Just don’t call him Mr. Williams - call him Jimmy.