The heroic gardens team listened to my interests and helped me to envision an accessible garden space that I could enjoy. I am excited to watch my garden grow!
Vincent, Army Veteran
A Neighborhood transformation in 2023
21 Veterans, 48 Volunteers and a lot of support, joy and rain! This is one of many stories we'll be featuring.
Operation: Glenloch Street
We had the privilege of meeting Army Veteran Vincent early in 2023. Vincent has a great property, but he wasn't able to use it properly. Vincent uses a wheelchair and it was kind of difficult to get out in the yard space (see below).
Vincent's backyard
A blank canvas! Vincent said he loves to sit outside, but primarily he sits at the bottom of the ramp. We wanted to help Vincent realize this space. But we were going to need some help! The design would include a new patio, with a break in the ramp, 3 new trees and new planter boxes for a pollinator garden.
Building the Patio.
Our friends from Madison Masonry, got to work on creating the patio, and they stopped by Sam Brown's Wholesale Nursery to pick up two dogwoods and a magnolia tree. Thank you Andy, for your donation!
Trees go in! (And a flagpole)
The trees were planted so they would have room for growth and Vincent also wanted to have a flag pole to highlight his American flag. Dennis and his team went to work!
Volunteer Day!
Time for the crew to place the raised beds, built by Airforce Veteran, Tony and his team from EDA Contractors, as well as drop off a new gas grill that was donated by JDog of Glenside. JDog also delivered the planters, the soil and the mulch! Thanks to Back to Earth Compost Crew for donating the compost for this project!
Lending a Hand
Volunteers, Tim, Eric and Thom take a quick break from the work. They were not only installing planters at Vincent's but at 4 other homes on the block that day.
Planting begins
Registered Horticultural Therapist, Peg, places the plants with our volunteers in Vincent's front flowers beds.
The patio!
There is a place for the grill, the ramp has an easy cut out and Vincent can place his umbrella on an even surface. All he needs is some patio furniture...
Awesome Volunteers!
This team not only helped Vincent but other Veterans on Glenloch to create beautiful garden spaces using raised beds.
Early morning light
We snapped this shot at on a steamy summer day at 645am as we were delivering patio furniture. Simply gorgeous. Those beautiful plants are from our sponsor, Enliven Planters!
Patio Furniture Arrives
Thank you to the EDA Cares team for delivering a nice bistro set to Vincent for his new patio!
Vincent and Tony
Vincent finally got to meet Tony, who created the raised bed planters. There is something very special watching two Veterans meet for the first time.
Vincent's unknown loving for plants and gardening is part of his daily passion!
Check out our visit to rosalie street
Just up the street from Vincent's are several other Veterans that our team dubbed a block party and helped them transform their front yards.
Get involved with this project.
Because it's not over. We're working to transform this entire neighborhood with our community partner New Courtland. If you'd like to volunteer, or become a corporate sponsor, email us here: plantlove@heroicgardens.org
Donate Today.
Your contribution enables us to continue serving the veteran community.
