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$5 buys a bag of soil. Packages of seeds. A flower pot.
And a healthy outlet for our Veterans.
Summer & Fall 2019
Yvonne.
We met Yvonne, US Army PFC Veteran at the Bear, DE Library Veterans Fair. She has significant breathing issues and cannot afford to take care of her back yard or do the things that she used to do.
Yvonne's property.
She has some really nice perennials, just hiding in there...
Lots of overgrown plants and weeds.
Yvonne imagines us eliminating these weeds and replacing them with colorful perennials that she can enjoy but not have to do too much.
Small issue.
This tree, if you can imagine, is like the kind of tree you hope has a great rope swing on it. You could see kids climbing it, birds chirping in it and it providing a wonderful shade. Unfortunately, this tree is dead. Our friend, Peg Schofield, who is a Consulting Arborist, is concerned that it probably needs to come down. More on that later...
The current patio.
And weeds have taken over. Time to reclaim and rebuild so Yvonne has a nice seating area to rest and enjoy her garden.
Two sheds!
Yvonne has not one but 2 sheds on the property, one even has electricity.
Another tree shot.
Upon further inspection, we notice that concrete had been poured down the center of the tree. This is tragic.
In the back
We've got trees and poison ivy and a ton of day lilies. Lots of materials to recycle for Yvonne's transformation are hidden back there.
Cement.
The condition of this tree is extremely alarming and not to mention very dangerous for Yvonne.
June 29, Day 1
97 Degrees in the Shade
Board member Dawn shows off the new banner and is ready to go at 9:30am!
Heidi starts transforming.
Advisory board member, Heidi did an incredible job pruning Yvonne's roses, azaleas and rhododendrons. And, she brought watermelon and Gatorade! Thanks, Heidi!
Yard-A-facts
We said goodbye to the dog, but Yvonne has decided with a little love, we should keep Bambi and place him in the yard as a decorative touch.
Tony, US Army Veteran
Drove over from New Jersey to help us! Thank you Tony for your service, for volunteering and getting rid of some pretty hefty weeds.
Remember that small patio?
Turns out there is a beautiful Lily there. And it gives us the idea that we could make a patio space here.
Our favorite excavator.
Jason , once again is showing those weeds who is boss. Thank you, Jason.
The tree. August 30.
Great efforts take time. 60 days, in fact.
We set the plans in motion back in June. Almost two months later, we were still searching for assistance. The storms have been crazy this summer, and we've been worried that this tree would come down and cause major damage. And then...
Enter Joe Romello (and his family) for Tree Removal.
Our paths always seem to be filled with people wanting to give back .
Joe Romello and his family, raised their hands for Yvonne's tree. Here was that tree at the end of Day 1.
Day 2
That's Joe, dismantling the tree. Joe, thank you for taking down this tree! More photos to come...
October 20th. Tree Stump.
Two Weeks of Rain.
If you think downpours hinder our volunteers, then you don't know us. Joe Romello and his sons came back to remove the tree stump and prep the area for our volunteers.
November 3rd.
A Beautiful Fall Day.
Ready to work, our volunteers showed up at 11am and there was plenty to do. Who knew there would be so much football trash talk? Thank you Olivia, Michael, Board Members Jason and Dawn, Advisory Board Members Teresa and Heidi for your enthusiasm and hard work!
Football Aside...
We can't thank our Army Veteran (and Cowboys fan) enough for all of her support for Heroic Gardens. Thank you Teresa for continuing your work serving Veterans.
Building out the patio.
After Kristen and Advisory Board Member Pete cut out the foundation, Board Member Jason, sets the boarders, levels the gravel and measures out the pavers.
What Lies Beneath...
Dawn, Teresa and Olivia, found all kinds of artifacts underneath that tree that Joe and his family took down. Rocks, horseshoes, cement...It's all out and the area is ready for a tree planting in the spring.
Remember Bambi?
When we salvaged that deer from behind one of the sheds, we asked our Veteran if she'd like to hold on to it and what her favorite color was...nice job, Heidi!
11 x 11 Patio
With the patio pavers installed, the tree stump finished, bulbs planted and weeding complete, this Veteran's house is finished for the season. Join us in Spring 2020 for tree and plant installation.
You can help.
Every dollar you contribute goes directly into a Veteran's project. If you can't donate your time, consider donating below.
Enliven Planters
Our official plant provider. Thank you, Enliven.
Can't volunteer but want to purchase something? We are always on the lookout for:
- Flower pots
- Leaf Bags
- Trees (all kinds)
- Soil
- Bird houses
- Gently used patio sets
We're counting on you.
This is our opportunity to thank our Veterans and Active Duty members and provide them with a beautiful surrounding.