As the founder of the Cooper-Young Garden Club and Experience Memphis Gardens, Kim Halyak has cultivated more than beautiful spaces — she’s grown a movement rooted in connection, creativity, and community pride. What began as a neighborhood passion project has blossomed into a citywide initiative to help Memphis flourish.
Meet our newest FACE of Memphis, Kim Halyak. Image: Becca Mathias
What first drew you to gardening, and when did it become something more than a hobby?
When I was in sixth grade, my family moved to a 21-acre farm. We subscribed to Organic Gardening Magazine, and I would read it cover to cover. Even the ads. I was completely fascinated! My family had a field-sized vegetable garden, an apple orchard, and a cornfield, and we canned and preserved everything. So gardening was just part of life.
After touring Garden Walk Buffalo, I realized that garden walks could motivate people to beautify their neighborhoods. You see all these amazing, creative garden ideas and want to go home and do the same. It creates a positive cycle where everyone keeps raising the bar, and whole neighborhoods start to change.
How does being a former teacher shape the way you approach community-building today?
Teaching really shaped how I approach this passion project. I’ve always tried to meet people where they are and shine a light on their talent, even if they don’t always see it themselves. I’ve been told my secret talent is inspiring people to get involved in big ideas. That’s how the garden walk has grown.
You’ve talked about wanting Memphis to become a premier destination for garden tourism. What does that future look like to you?
Garden tourism is a powerful catalyst for beautifying a city. People spend their time, money, and energy improving their outdoor spaces, not just for themselves but also for visitors from across the country.
What makes our approach unique is the scale and accessibility of Experience Memphis Gardens. While we are not the largest single garden walk, we are the longest, spanning 21 days over seven weeks. This gives people the flexibility to explore multiple neighborhoods at their own pace, rather than trying to see everything in a single weekend.
We also take an inclusive approach to what defines a “garden.” It’s not just private gardens. We welcome public gardens, businesses, schools, community gardens, farms, parks, and unique production tours. It’s about inviting everyone to the “garden party.”
The ultimate goal is to grow an ever-expanding garden tour across Memphis that attracts thousands of visitors and brings millions of dollars into our economy. This strengthens our neighborhoods, beautifies our blocks, raises property values, increases community pride, and most importantly, connects us as a community.
“Cities like Buffalo, Portland, Seattle, and Pittsburgh have embraced garden tourism and are reaping beautification and economic benefits,” Kim says. “My dream is to see that same momentum take hold in the South, especially here in Memphis.” Image: Facebook
In a city that often battles negative perceptions, how do gardens help reshape the narrative?
When you tour gardens across Memphis, you start to notice pretty quickly that there’s beauty and pride everywhere. That really challenges the negative narrative that only focuses on what’s broken or neglected. Gardens help tell a more complete story of Memphis — one rooted in beauty, creativity, and pride. When people experience it for themselves, it’s hard to unsee it.
The Cooper-Young Garden Club started with just a handful of neighbors and a shared vision. What made you realize you had something bigger on your hands?
The real turning point came when people outside the neighborhood started asking how they could be part of it. About four years ago, I realized this wasn’t just a Cooper-Young idea; it could be something much bigger.
We opened it up and invited others to share their gardens, and the response was incredible. Neighborhoods across the city wanted in, and even neighboring communities reached out to participate.
Now, it’s grown into something I don’t think any of us could have imagined. This year, we’ll showcase more than 300 garden spaces over 21 days (Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from May 1 through June 14) across Greater Memphis. It’s more than just an event; it’s a garden movement people want to be a part of.
For Experience Memphis Gardens, each neighborhood has its own ambassadors who take the idea and run with it. Every neighborhood does it a little differently, and that’s what makes it work. Kim tells us, “What I love most is what happens afterward. People get to know each other, which turns into potlucks, garden clubs, and even tackling neighborhood projects like cleaning up neglected spaces.” Image: Facebook
What are some of the most meaningful moments you’ve witnessed through garden walks?
There have been so many, but what stands out most is the way garden walks bring people together. Last year, many of our tour dates were absolute gullywashers. And yet, people still came out in droves, running between the raindrops just to see the gardens.
One of my favorite moments was with a gardener in Hickory Hill. She was amazed at how many people showed up despite the weather. When she asked one visitor why they came, they said, “We know how hard you worked and we didn’t want you to not have visitors.” Garden lovers are the kindest people I know.
Moments like those remind me that this has never just been about gardens. It’s about connection. It’s about people showing up for each other, forming friendships, and creating a sense of community that lasts long after the tour is over.
“So far this year, visitors are coming from Arkansas, California, DC, Illinois, Iowa, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas, Virginia, and England!” Kim says. Image: Facebook
Where do you find inspiration for your own garden?
It comes from gardens I have toured. These days, I’m much more focused on low maintenance and ease of movement, since my husband is in a wheelchair and I get by with a cane. I like to joke that I’m a “lazy gardener,” and my true specialty is probably hardscaping.
People enjoy my garden for its unexpected elements, such as the outdoor plumbed shower, the screened-in carport, and the exercise shed. There’s also an auger fountain and a series of auger sculptures, which fit my farm theme. I’ve always loved repurposing unusual, found objects and giving them a second life in the garden.
What do you do to recharge?
I’m a lifelong learner and a gallivanter at heart. I recharge by getting out into the world — visiting gardens, going to art shows and lectures, and meeting new people. I also love to read nonfiction, and I devour Nordic detective shows.
For Kim, gardens matter because they’re not just about plants; they’re an invitation to connect with neighbors and visitors on a personal level. Image: Judy Barrett
What is the best piece of advice you’ve received and from whom?
I’m not sure where I first heard it, but one piece of advice that has always grounded me is “Ages and stages.” Whether I’m navigating the ups and downs of life, health, or the natural shifts that come with age, it reminds me to stay open to change and trust that whatever I’m going through won’t last forever. This perspective brings a lot of peace and tempers my impatience.
LIGHTNING ROUND!
A great book you’ve enjoyed recently?Theo of Golden on Audible.A daily ritual you’d never skip? Sipping black coffee and reading on Kindle.Your favorite wardrobe staple?Comfortable shoes.Your go-to hostess gift for a gathering? Who doesn’t love plants?
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