It is our favorite time of year at Mary Haven Youth Center. Despite the chilly temperatures of late winter, it is a balmy 75 degrees inside the greenhouse. A nice escape for residents and staff alike, the greenhouse is not just a sanctuary but the epicenter of growth – and we aren’t just talking about the plants! Through a team effort, our youth cultivate a variety of plants and vegetables, gaining education that just cannot be replicated in a classroom setting. From seed to full maturity, the youth are able to witness each stage of development that the greenhouse offers.
The benefits of the greenhouse extend well beyond our facility walls, as our upcoming Art and Garden Show of 2020 (Save the Date: May 6th) will allow for county employees, community partners, and families and friends to join in our excitement and take home a piece (or two) or our residents’ hard work. We look forward to this special event each year and are always grateful for the outpouring of support from the community (special note: there will be over 200 hanging baskets available this year!).
Without the efforts of our youth, and key staff – Elisa Dennis, Elton Frauenknecht and Gordon Lewis – an event to this scale would not be possible. Thanks to all – and we look forward to seeing you on May 6th!
The glory of gardening: hands in the dirt, head in the sun, heart with nature. To nurture a garden is to feed not just the body, but the soul. — Alfred Austin