One Foot in the Wilderness

Becca Amos, a horticultural therapist, describes her experiences working with incarcerated adolescents through Rikers Island’s horticulture program. With a combination of anecdotes, internal musings, and numbered lists, Amos highlights the intentionally-constructed processes of dehumanization that occur within the criminal justice system. Amos covers systemic abuse, police brutality, gender roles, and patriarchy. She illustrates the ways in which gardens can serve as judgment-free, self-determined spaces that enhance wellbeing within prisons. Lastly, she includes practical tips pertaining to selecting plants, seed and plant catalogs, and other horticultural practices. The zine contains printed images, a compilation of Amos’ essays and vignettes, and quotes from authors such as Jane Goodall, Sylvia Plath, Francis Weller, John Porcellino, Mary Oliver, and Grace Gershuny. -- Alekhya