Our story
Connection, care, and curiosity drive everything we do —
The Barefoot Planter delivers sustainably led gardening workshops, cooking classes, and dining experiences. Officially launched in May 2023, we’re excited to have you join us on this ever-growing journey — where a love for gardening meets delicious food, creativity, and community.
Founded by grower and event producer Chauntelle Lewis, proudly Montserrat-born and UK-raised. Inspired by Caribbean roots where food, cooking, and sharing bring people together, we’re on a mission to infuse that same 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!
How it all began
Amidst two career shifts in 2020, Chauntelle’s small garden became a tranquil sanctuary, offering solace and healing for her mental wellbeing through gardening activities.
It connected her with individuals beyond her usual social circles in her vibrant, multicultural neighbourhood, including two elderly ladies during their daily walks (at a safe distance, of course). This experience brought endless benefits and earned Chauntelle the nickname “garden girl” from a friendly neighbour.
One day whilst gardening, a curious neighbour asked Chauntelle, “Aren’t you embarrassed gardening barefoot in your garden?” She wasn’t, of course, but thought that “The Barefoot Planter” sounded like a cool name.
While working at TikTok, Chauntelle established and led an internal plant-care employee interest group called “Plant Parents inspired by Oprah.” Through this initiative, she championed expressive freedom, wellness, and community building within the organisation (she couldn’t believe that over 15 people actually joined!).
Watching UK-based gardener Monty Don’s documentary “Around the World in 80 Gardens” further fuelled her passion for horticulture and permaculture. She now loves immersing herself in the beauty of local landscapes during her travels. In 2022, she explored Chefchaouen, the Blue City in Morocco, where vibrant plants painted the streets with hues of botanical beauty. During a road trip from Marrakech to Fez, she was warmly welcomed with Moroccan tea and food at stops along the way.
Visiting local markets in Malta, exploring a rose garden in Italy, and participating in food and drink tours in Portugal have all been enriching experiences, deepening Chauntelle’s understanding of diverse cultures through nature and local traditions. These foodie adventures continue to inspire her approach to creating dining experiences at The Barefoot Planter, celebrating cultural diversity 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
