Maria’s Roots
How a backyard garden became a mindfulness practice 🌿
Maria Allen
Maria is a gardener, photographer, writer, and the founder of Real & Powerful. The Garden People began the way most meaningful things do — by accident and with great delight.
One summer afternoon, while arranging the day’s harvest on the back deck, Maria noticed a face staring up at her from the cutting board. A jalapeño and a sweet pepper for eyes. A tiny chile for a nose. And a long, curved eggplant smiling ear to ear.
She picked up her phone and took a photo. Then she sat with the face for a while and asked herself: “If this little person could talk, what would they say?”
What followed was a stream of personality, story, and unexpected wisdom — as if the vegetables had been waiting to be seen. The Garden People became a daily practice: arranging, photographing, listening, and writing. Each face brought a reflection. Each reflection became a small, gentle invitation to see ourselves more clearly.
The Practice 🧘
The Garden People Book
Maria is currently writing a book that brings together The Garden People portraits, their stories, and guided reflections for readers who want to bring this practice into their own lives and gardens.