Program: Edison 64
We began working with Veterans that reside at Edison 64 virtually during COVID-19. And while we had a great time growing together over Zoom, we had a bigger idea...
The space
In the back of the formerly known Edison High School, is mostly parking for the residents. But there is this strip of grass...In talking with folks at Edison, they wanted to know: Why couldn't there be a vegetable garden?
The planning
We met with members of the Veteran Multiservice Center community to talk through ideas. A perfect space for a raised bed herb and vegetable garden. We had applied for a grant and there were business leaders in the community that wanted to contribute...
The build
And into our world walked EDA Contractors and Tony Melle (a Veteran himself!) who created and built these beautiful raised beds that would soon be filled with soil and plants by the Veterans of this community. (These are for the vegetables.)
More of the build
The herb planters were also built.
Spring 2021
We were able to provide the tools for the Veterans in this community and had them on hand for our first day of planting.
Day 1
The herbs were installed along with pollinator plants from local farm Seeds2Plugs and we were ready for phase 2: Vegetables.
Veterans talk planting
Our resident Horticultural Therapist, Peg was on hand to talk about growing and caring for herbs and attracting the all important bees, butterflies and birds.
Balmy Saturday
Had a great crew fill the vegetable beds with a mushroom soil/compost mix to prep for the veggie planting!
But first, a stretch
If you plant, you know it's tough work. The team takes a moment to be thankful and celebrate the new garden.
Vegetables everywhere
Members of the Edison 64 community plant spinach, tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, and other wonderful treats.
That sponsorship
So grateful to be a recipient of a Gardening Know How Sponsorship! Because of this financial support, we were able to double the number of plants we could provide in this Veteran's garden.
Welcome visitors
Just as we finished up for the day, a butterfly landed on one of the basil plants. Nature is everywhere and vegetables continue to grow in North Philadelphia. Stay tuned for updates!