Inspiring Conversations with Laura Fernandez of Front Yard Foods

Today we’d like to introduce you to Laura Fernandez.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I have always been interested in food, where it comes from, and how we connect to it as a community. My first true food-growing experience came when I was about 12. I asked my grandfather to come over and start a garden. We spent a few days getting it going and then he went home; taking his knowledge with him.

Needless to say, that garden was soon out of control and overrun by weeds and pests. Even though that garden did not provide the splendor I may have desired, it sowed the seed to grow all the food. I moved to Greenville in 1997 and attended Furman University. I fell in love with the area and have been here ever since. I have had many gardens over the years from very small container gardens to raised beds in the backyard. I now grow in 16 raised beds in my front yard as well as throughout my yard with perennial plants, shrubs, and fruit trees.

Throughout my growing journey, I have been able to experience food both from the farming and culinary side. Not only have I grown an abundance, but I also have extensive restaurant experience. It has now become my mission to not only help people grow their own food but to also utilize it. I do this through classes on growing food (from seed to harvest), basic preserving and canning, cooking, and sourdough baking.

I also handle garden consultations and installations of all sizes through my company, Front Yard Foods. By connecting people to their food and encouraging the return to seasonal, local eating, I believe we can reduce the strain on our overburdened food system and connect people back to the earth and their communities.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It has not been a smooth road. Life always presents us with challenges, but continuing to go forward can be powerful. My biggest struggle has been putting boundaries around what Front Yard Foods really is and does. I have so many interests and see so many opportunities wherever I look, but I have learned that I need to narrow my vision so that I can create something more substantial.

Also, being a small, brand-new operation can be daunting at times. But, at the end of the day, it is such a blessing to be able to follow my own path and live out my passion.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Front Yard Foods exists to help others gain skills, knowledge, and confidence to grow and utilize food. I offer garden consultations and installations. I offer help in whatever capacity the client needs. Whether they just have a few questions or they want an entire garden space created, I can help. I also grow veggie plant starts throughout the year varying from season to season to offer clients plants ready for their space.

Front Yard Foods hosts classes in local venues including The Cook’s Station in downtown Greenville. These classes create an inviting and fun space to learn new skills and connect with like-minded individuals in the community.

Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
I am inspired by gardeners Charles Dowding, Jessica Sowards, and Monty Don. I frequently listen to Rich Roll, Earth Speed, and Kiss the Ground podcasts.

Contact Info:

• Email: Frontyardfoodssc@gmail.com
• Instagram: @frontyard_foods
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/FrontYardFoodsSC