Our story

Hello, I'm Chauntelle Lewis, the founder and Inclusive Communities Consultant of The Barefoot Planter, proudly Montserrat-born and UK-raised.

Welcome to The Barefoot Planter, a sustainable, accessible, community, and edible gardening movement, officially launched in May 2023. I'm thrilled to have you join us on this incredible and multi-functional journey, where we unite the passion for gardening with delightful foodie and upcycling experiences.

Drawing inspiration from my Caribbean roots, where food, cooking, and sharing resources have always brought people together in a household that prided itself on using the freshest ingredients and sharing meals with family and friends, we are on a mission to infuse this spirit into our community gardening experiences.

Our story is deeply rooted in a profound love for organic inner-city gardening and permaculture practices, with a vision of creating a global community that fully embraces inclusivity, sustainability, accessibility, and overall well-being in today's ever-growing world.

At The Barefoot Planter, we firmly believe that gardening goes beyond simply caring for plants; it's about nurturing connections, embracing nature, and weaving together vibrant, inclusive communities that flourish in harmony.

Let's cultivate a greener future together, nurturing wellbeing and connectivity for all!

Close-up shot of Chauntelle Lewis, gardener and founder of The Barefoot Planter, holding two-tone coloured Summer Squash Zephyr F1s freshly harvested from her small garden in East London, UK in 2022.

How it all began

Amidst two career shifts in 2020, my small garden became a tranquil sanctuary, offering solace and healing for my mental wellbeing through gardening activities. It offered more than just digging in the soil; it became a pathway to connect with myself and others, especially individuals beyond my usual social circles in our vibrant, multicultural neighbourhood, including two elderly ladies during their daily walks (at a safe distance, of course). I found endless benefits and even earned the nickname 'garden girl' from a friendly neighbour.

While working at TikTok, I established and led an internal plant-care employee interest group called ‘Plant Parents inspired by Oprah.’ Through this initiative, I championed expressive freedom, wellness, and community building within the organisation (can’t believe that over 15 people actually joined)!

Watching UK-based gardener Monty Don’s documentary, "Around the World in 80 Gardens," further fuelled my passion for horticulture and permaculture. Now, I love immersing myself in the beauty of local landscapes during my travels. In 2022, I explored Chefchaouen, aka The Blue City in Morocco, where vibrant plants painted the streets with hues of botanical beauty. During a road trip from Marrakech to Fez, I was warmly welcomed with Moroccan tea and food at our stops at local businesses.

Visiting local markets in Malta, exploring a rose garden in Italy, and participating in food and drink tours in Portugal have been enriching experiences, deepening my understanding of varied cultures through nature and their local traditions. These foodie adventures inspire my approach to creating dining experiences at The Barefoot Planter, celebrating cultural differences and promoting sustainable gardening.

“As a true market enthusiast, there's nothing quite like strolling through my local farmer's market on a Saturday morning—walking home joyfully, knowing I've supported a local business, secured a sweet deal, and got the freshest produce! This passion for both food and clothes markets has been ingrained in me since my early childhood. I can't wait for you all to join us at The Barefoot Planter on your sustainability journey.”

— Chauntelle Lewis, founder of The Barefoot Planter

Our services cater to both corporate and community-focused clients, offering exceptional gardening workshops, cooking classes and dining experiences.

Chauntelle Lewis, founder of The Barefoot Planter, playfully posing with a mini squash in front of her face outside a charming pub in Copenhagen, Denmark in 2022. Photo taken by talented local female photographer Neertila from Bigwig Photography.
Close-up shot of Chauntelle Lewis, gardener and founder of The Barefoot Planter, holding two-tone coloured Summer Squash Zephyr F1s freshly harvested from her small garden in East London, UK in 2022.
Captivating dishes created by Chef Jelani Lewis, known as Jelanfur's Kitchen, using fresh produce from The Barefoot Planter's garden during the Summer of 2022.
Chef Jelani Lewis, also known as Jelanfur's Kitchen, grilling delicious dishes in The Barefoot Planter's garden surrounded by vibrant homegrown plants in 2022.

We orchestrate a sustainable journey from seed sowing to garden-to-fork and farm-to-table!

Green spaces, skills & jobs for ALL.

We prioritise inclusivity and accessibility, celebrating each unique journey and empowering everyone to thrive! Proactively inquiring about accessibility needs during project proposals, we cater to both in-person and online workshops with utmost flexibility. Our commitment extends to addressing disability and neurodiversity barriers, ensuring everyone feels welcome and valued. We foster a supportive environment for learning and upskilling, encouraging participants to enjoy sustainability-led gardening workshops, cooking classes, and dining experiences.