Buenezas —More commonly known in Spanish as “malezas”—are weeds. We like to call them Buenezas in efforts to change the negative connotation the word Maleza carries. These plants are not fully understood, at least in our city, where a lot energy is spent attempting to eradicate them with chemicals. Our project originated from a desire to better understand with all of our senses, and re-learn how to work with nature as both a constant source of wisdom and a great inspiration in envisioning new ways of living.

By paying attention to everything around us, we can further understand how each element, even those invisible to the naked eye, plays an important role, contributing to the chaotic yet harmonious energetic balance that sustains life. Most weeds are edible or medicinal. Learning to cultivate—as a community—that which is overlooked can hopefully inspire new ways of thinking and sharing. We are all connected and interdependent.

With Buenezas we like to offer events and workshops where we share with our neighbors, learn from one another, and care for ourselves and each other, with the hope of inspiring new generations to act more like mycelium, connecting, collaborating, allowing organisms to be alive. After all we are nature.

By working with nature, we would also like our community to recognize and honor the efforts and traditions our ancestors and indigenous communities around the world still practice.

Together, Buenezas focuses on native plants; naturalized plants; buenezas—plants that grow free and are considered undesirable; plants as medicine and food source; plants that can be used to paint and create fibers; soil, microorganisms, and seasons; seed preservation and exchange; tropical plants; and the work of neighbors in our community.

We seek to unite our communities by empowering people to think of themselves as creators, utilizing different art forms as their medium of expression.