Honoring a US Army Chaplain
Christine and Deborah
Our friends at Habitat for Humanity of Montgomery and Delaware Counties introduced us to this wonderful mother and daughter who recently lost their beloved husband/father, US Army Chaplain/Pastor George Hite Jr. In talking with them, their love, pride for this man was immeasurable. As Christine said, "When you become a full time caregiver, you just let other things go, you know? " Here advisory board member Peg, who designed the plan for their front yard, stops her work to pose with the homeowners.
Getting to Work.
If you haven't been to an HG event, or are wondering what kind of a party we are talking about, check out this squad. Pictured here are an amazing combination of veterans, civilians, gardeners, neighbors ready to help!
Mu Beta Phi
The Military Fraternity, Mu Beta Phi joined us to do the heavy lifting. Here two of the members get together with board member Dawn.
Mapping out the plan
Before we could start, Advisory board member and Landscape Architect, Peg, maps out the plan and explains the implementation to volunteer, Tricia.
Front yard design
Peg's beautiful design helped out everyone during their assignments. Even when we made a few tweaks here and there.
Prepping the land
Volunteer, Nicole helps to prepare the soil for a tree and a surrounding flower bed.
The plants and trees
Thanks to our sponsors, Enliven planters, the team had a beautiful variety of plants, trees and bushes to add to the design.
Retaining wall
Members of Mu Beta Phi Military Fraternity Inc, build out the retaining wall along the side of the porch.
Community
Dawn from the Heroic Gardens team, Ellen and Collin from the Habitat for Humanity team are joined by Abington Township Commissioner, Ward 5 Julia Vaughn.
Planting a tree
Volunteers, Olivia and Will work to place a tree in the front yard.
Side yard
Members of Mu Beta Phi Military Fraternity Inc, build out flower beds on the right side of the house
Day 1 comes to a close
It was 70 something degrees in November and this landscape is on its way thanks to all of our volunteers, sponsors and donors.
November 21
9 volunteers
With COVID-19 restrictions back in place, we asked for five volunteers. Nine arrived, ready to work.
Mulching
Mu Beta Phi Military Fraternity Inc, member, Paul and Heroic Gardens Board member, Dawn start filling wheelbarrows for the new flower beds.
Leveling out the beds
Advisory Board member, Beth uses a tool to rake through soil clumps.
Lots of mulch
Advisory board member, Peg, instructs volunteer Lara and homeowner, Christine about mulch techniques.
Team work
In less than two hours our team of nine successfully
mulched three flower beds.
Tending to the plants
Mu Beta Phi Fraternity, Inc, member
Marvin, carefully mulches
around the new plants.