As I arrived I was led to a work area where the job coach had assembled the clients interested in gardening. I was introduced to the group and spent five minutes describing what I grew or attempted to grow. The clients asked me questions about how seeds became plants and what weed are.
About an hour passed and I wrapped up my involvement and thanked everyone for the opportunity to meet the club and speak.
Well when my son Vinnie came home later that day, he said the club had enjoyed our discussion and wanted me to return. I was skeptical but on of the job coaches called and asked if I could return in the future.
So every Friday afternoon I have visited Clearbrook to speak, explain and direct the group in building a club garden.
Clearbrook's client base is challenged with various issues such as MS, Down's Syndrome and other challenges.
The garden club became a focus for all to learn and take part in to the best of their abilities.
As the weekly meetings progressed the club learned about seed starts, what weeds are and aren't. We learned how to grow potatoes in bags and melons in boxes. We learned how to turn yard waste into compost and how easy raised gardens could be to those that weren't / aren't as mobile.
I was able to direct the clients to assemble a 4X4 square foot garden bed on top of some pallets so there would be less bending. This also benefited me as I suffer from spine and back damage.
Our club goal has been to enjoy gardening with the least amount of effort. We save all the effort for the hard jobs and then make all the hard jobs easy.
This year the club grew: potatoes, tomatoes, peppers, melons, squash and Brussels sprouts. We were able to inspire clients to think out of the box and enjoy the experience of trying new ideas. The big lesson learned: There is no failing in gardening only learning.
As time and doctors permit, the club will meet to plan other gardening adventurs.
