On March 6, 2025, I had the incredible opportunity to present at the Kiwanis Club of Cosmopolitan Detroit, an experience that I am truly grateful for. It was an honor to be invited by the club’s president, Mr. Raul Valmeo, as part of their initiative to feature local businesses. The warm reception and engaging discussion reinforced my passion for sharing the importance of gardening and growing your own food, especially with younger generations.

What is the Kiwanis Club?

Kiwanis International is a global volunteer organization dedicated to improving the lives of children and communities. Their mission is to empower communities to make a lasting impact through service, with a vision of creating a world where every child has the opportunity to thrive. The Cosmopolitan Detroit chapter embodies this mission by actively supporting local initiatives that foster education, health, and community development.

Their Mission, Vision, and Current Goals

The mission of the Kiwanis Club is to serve children and communities by providing opportunities for leadership, education, and social responsibility. Their vision extends to creating a brighter future for young people through mentorship, support, and active community involvement. Currently, the Cosmopolitan Detroit chapter is focusing on projects such as youth literacy programs, food drives, and partnerships with local businesses to enhance community well-being.

Sharing the Joy of Gardening

This introduction has allowed me to share insights into the world of gardening and how it plays a crucial role in sustainability, health, and self-sufficiency. I emphasized how gardening can empower families to make healthier food choices, spend quality time together, help with long-term grocery costs, and achieve stronger connections with nature. It was inspiring to see the enthusiasm and curiosity from the attendees, and I was delighted to answer their questions about starting their own kitchen gardens.

Hi, I'm Vanessa, your local Garden Consultant, and I would love to dream and grow with you!

At Your Dream Garden, we believe that the gardening journey should be an experience of beauty and bounty -- more enjoyment, less overwhelm.

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Gratitude and Looking Ahead

I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to the Kiwanis Club of Cosmopolitan Detroit and Sir Raul for inviting me to speak. The experience was both enriching and encouraging, as it reaffirmed the importance of community-driven efforts to promote health consciousness and sustainable living. I hope to continue collaborating with organizations like Kiwanis to expand the reach of gardening education, particularly among younger generations. By instilling the love of growing food early, we can cultivate a future where more people understand the value of growing your own food and environmental stewardship.

I look forward to more opportunities of sharing knowledge and connecting with passionate individuals who believe in making a difference—one garden at a time! If you’re interested in learning more about the Kiwanis Club of Cosmopolitan Detroit or joining their efforts, you can reach out to their leadership team or visit their official website for more details.

Checkout our offerings and events in the Services Section of our website for more info.

Your Dream Garden owner, Vanessa Powell (lower left), together with KCCD president Mr. Raul Valmeo (center), and officers and members of Kiwanis Club of Cosmpolitan Detroit.

Vanessa presenting the importance of gardening and offered by her business, Your Dream Garden Consults and Designs.

Breakdown of the services offered and sample garden design was shown to the members of KCCD to give a better visual of the possibilities of a full-scale garden, even in a smaller space.

• Garden planning

• Plant shopping parties

• Garden walks

• Planting Days

• Host a planting party (perfect for get-together/ family activities)

• Collaboration (Kindly indicate details in the comments)

Want to attend/host an event for your group?