Garden Angel Project celebrates fifth year

FARMINGTON – As the weather gets cooler, organizers are reflecting on the bounty acquired by local residents through the Garden Angel Project.

The project began in 2012 with the goal of helping Franklin County seniors, physically disabled, or low/fixed income residents start gardens in their own homes, apartments and nursing homes so they could enjoy the benefits of gardening and eating fresh vegetables. The intention was to match volunteers with people who were no longer able to garden or would like to learn, and have recipient and volunteer work out a plan for designing garden boxes. The volunteer would also give gardening advice and assistance as needed throughout the growing season.

The first year, eight boxes were built by volunteers and 4-H members. Only five boxes were utilized that year, but after a number of positive responses from the recipients it was decided to expand the program. Garden Angel now maintains 24 boxes in Franklin County.

The recipients were most pleased with their gardens this year, although due to the drought, they had to water much more frequently in order to obtain the desired quality and quantity of harvest. Tomatoes and peppers grew the best, with zucchini and lettuce close behind. The green beans did not seem to produce as well as hoped this year.

When users were asked what they liked most about the program, answers centered around fresh vegetables, watching the garden grow and having accommodations that didn’t require bending down to take care of the garden.

Those assisting in the Garden Angel program this year includes Judy Vining from E. L. Vining Company, who donated the loam; Amy LeBlanc of White Hill Farm, who donating tomato plants, pepper plants, Swiss chard, parsley plants and sweet basil plants; Robin Jordan of Robins Flower Pot who donated tomato plants and pepper plants; the Farmington Farmers Union Hardware for donating seeds; Reny’s for providing a gift certificate to purchase other needed supplies; Rachel Hodsdon, Manager of 82 High Street for a monetary donation; Karen Clary for helping to coordinate the program at Deer Crossing Apartments; Steve Scharoun for helping to deliver the boxes and soil; John Perry for donating the compost and helping to distribute it along with the boxes; Dave Fuller of the Franklin County Cooperative Extension for providing his expertise on plants plus storing the 24 boxes at his home; Sue Gill for chairing the program and helping to deliver boxes, Dan and Amy Palmer for helping deliver and pick up the boxes, plus Amy working diligently on the committee, Bob and Linda Gramlich for picking up the loam, delivering and picking up the boxes and legs, delivering the plants, and providing planting tips plus Linda acting as secretary for the committee; and Tiffany Wing, secretary at the Franklin County Cooperative Extension Office for taking care of any mail sent to the office and forwarding phone calls, etc.

The Garden Angel project is always looking for more volunteers. Those interested are asked to contact the Franklin County Cooperative Extension at 778-4650 and ask Tiffany Wing to put your name and number in our Garden Angel folder.