A new project can be seen “sprouting up” at Hillcroft!  Team members from the Therapy Services Department are working with clients on a community garden to be maintained by Hillcroft clients. With hopes of fostering the creative spirit of the clients, the garden also provides an opportunity for education about sustainable food sources and healthy eating habits.

Currently 12-15 clients are involved with the maintenance of the garden. Watering, weeding, and harvesting produce are all daily tasks included in making sure plants are growing healthy and strong. There are a variety of produce to tend to, from tomatoes and peppers, to summer squash and melons. Sunflowers and gourds have also been planted for future making of bird houses and bird seed.  

Besides the edible goods of the garden, clients are gaining important skills such as team work, maintaining a schedule, using garden tools, and how to follow-through on tasks. It is the hope that continued success will lead to expansion of the garden to increase opportunities for the clients. Once the garden yields sufficient produce, clients will be able to sell produce at the local farmer’s market. This would foster independence as well as be a chance to teach basic business skills.

A big thank you goes out to G&M Pet & Garden Center for their generous donation of plants and equipment. Interested in getting involved? There are several ways community members can donate to this special project. Monetary donations can be used to buys supplies and plants for next year’s garden. Donations of used or new garden equipment, seeds, or plants are also greatly appreciated. Have a green thumb? Volunteers with gardening expertise are welcome to work with the clients or give a presentation on any of the various aspects of gardening. Please contact Francis Bullock (fbullock@hillcroft.org) if you are interested/have any questions.