Amber De la Torre
Homeless Garden Project / Santa Cruz County
Having lived on a farm her entire life, Amber connects deeply to agriculture through fond memories of her father and a childhood surrounded by fresh harvests. Today, she channels that lifelong bond into cultivating beautiful seasonal vegetables and flowers.
For her, the true joy of farming lies in having a hand in every single step of the process, guiding a crop from a tiny seed all the way to completion. She holds a special fondness for flowers, particularly Shasta Daisies. She discovered her proudest professional moment when her focused attention noticeably transformed a patch of daisies, proving that dedicated care can completely revitalize a delicate bloom.
As a woman in agriculture, she believes women bring a naturally nurturing, softer perspective to food and plant systems. However, the demanding work has also taught her the vital importance of self-care, recognizing that she can only be truly productive when she is personally ready for the labor.
In a world driven by instant gratification, she views farming as a mindful, collaborative effort of human energy. It requires people to slow down, pay attention to the little things, and embrace patience to build something beautiful.
