From a single spark of generosity and vision, a vibrant garden has blossomed, transforming not just a space, but the lives of those who tend to it here at St. Louis Center
The Seed…
Because of the generous funding awards from the Kiwanis Club of Ann Arbor and the Chelsea Area Garden Club, Carlie Hartwick, St. Louis Center Assistant Program Director, has had the opportunity to put this idea into action. In the spring of 2024, the first step was to begin brainstorming and planning. Carlie mentioned that because the majority of the funding was from the Kiwanis Club, she thought it would be appropriate for St. Louis Center’s (SLC) Aktion Club to take the lead on this project.
The Sprout…
Bradley proudly standing by his work after watering some flowers on August 1, 2024.
As the roots proceeded to strengthen, the SLC Aktion Club board met in May to begin planning the vision of their garden. The board comprises four individuals who serve as officers: Lisa Roberts, the President; Sarah Saffer, the Vice President; Nancy Sherburn, the Secretary; and Jacqueline Pampuch, the Treasurer. In the end, they decided to include different vegetables and a variety of flowers.
The club officers, recognizing the potential for this project to foster community and collaboration, also extended an invitation to the rest of the residents at St. Louis Center to assist in the project and join the endeavor. They envisioned a garden that would be more than just a collection of plants; they saw it as a shared canvas where everyone could contribute their skills and creativity. This area is projected to be a place where every individual’s contribution can take root and blossom in order to cultivate a deeper sense of camaraderie and belonging among the residents as they enjoy the space together.
Jacqui giving the flowers some extra TLC on August 1, 2024.
The Bud…
Continuing on with the transformation, after the newly purchased raised garden beds were installed and prepared with soil in June, Carlie took a group of the residents and club members on a delightful excursion to a plant nursery in Jackson. There, they picked out a diverse array of plants, various gardening tools, and some more equipment. After much anticipation, the residents were excited to begin the planting process. A large group of them were able to participate by planting the seeds in the raised beds.
The sense of accomplishment was excitingly immediate, and their involvement in planting laid the foundation for a deeper connection to the garden. To ensure the plants thrived, the residents came up with a watering schedule to maintain the beautiful area and have been habitually keeping it! Their diligent efforts paid off as the garden slowly continued to grow.
On August 1, 2024, Jerome was enthusiastically watering the plants with his favorite method: the hose!
Jacqui, the Treasurer of the Aktion Club, is one of the residents who enjoys watering the garden. During one of the more recent watering sessions, she mentioned, “My friends look a little sad, but all they need is time and care.” The residents give them just that! Around three to four times a week, the residents provide the flowers and veggies with a hearty dose of water in the morning. It is exciting to see this practice in action as the residents truly find joy in it. Another individual who particularly enjoys the activity is Jerome. He loves to plaster on a big smile for the camera as he waters with the hose–however, bystanders must take care not to get sprayed themselves!
The Blossom…
Today, the garden has reached full bloom because of the hard work of the residents who care for it. Furthermore, the residents are actively working to expand and refine the area. They have added various things surrounding the garden beds that make the area even more special. There is a wooden bench swing, four handmade Adirondack chairs and two tables built and donated by an Eagle Scout from Dexter, and a beautiful birdhouse hanging in the middle to top it all off. Additionally, the resident’s handmade windchimes have been relocated from the Chelsea District Library to the garden, which add a meaningful and personal touch to the area.
The area that the garden is in is front and center on the grounds of St. Louis Center so that anyone who visits has a clear view of the beauty and hard work the residents have put towards it. Because of the hard work of everyone involved, the Skill Building Program and Residential Program have a peaceful outdoor area to host different activities and events. This area is also dedicated as a welcome place for residents to relax in their free time to take in the scenery, and maybe even see a bird or two!
Albert and David enjoy the bench swing on August 1, 2024.
The Fruit…
Even after this short amount of time, the residents are already enjoying the fruits of their labor. In fact, there are tomatoes and green bell peppers almost ready to eat. And because of their selections, a colorful array of various types of flowers fills the garden, it is really quite a view! To make this success even more meaningful, the residents plan to harvest some of the flowers later on to arrange them into bouquets, and give them away!
Moreover, Carlie says “the residents have already begun taking pride in this project, and enjoy showing their friends, families, and visitors the garden area.” We are incredibly excited to see the resident’s progression of excitement and pride in their garden’s transformation. And in turn, we can see the residents going through a time of metamorphosis themselves.
Mary peacefully taking in her surroundings on August 1, 2024.
To achieve transformation, you must have a plan, take small steps, learn from others, and be prepared for the outcome. Here at St. Louis Center, we prioritize practices based on the Montessori Philosophy. Our goal is for our residents to take charge of their own lives in an individual-centered environment, and to make decisions based on their own interests. Our programs seek the transformation and growth of our residents’ independence. By taking the time to care for a garden and create a welcoming community meeting place, our residents have the opportunity to learn what it means to be responsible for the life and growth of something.
Furthermore, they have been and will continue to nurture their own personal development, much like tending to a flourishing garden. Each of our residents’ journeys is unique, similar to different plants requiring their specific conditions in order to thrive. By sowing seeds of self-awareness, along with embracing the occasional pruning of old habits, our residents cultivate their potential and watch their independence bloom. Just as a garden evolves with changes, so too do our residents grow and adapt over time.
The Future…
Albert carefully dispersing water onto each cluster of flowers on August 1, 2024.
The SLC Aktion Club has ambitious plans to further enhance the growth and vibrancy of this area, including an initiative to paint the raised garden beds in the upcoming weeks, adding even more color and creativity to the space. Their goal with this advancement is to make the garden even more beautiful! Each bed will feature a unique theme, chosen through enthusiastic votes from the club members, adding an imaginative touch to the garden’s overall design. Jacqui expressed that this plan is her favorite part of the Garden Growth project. She is very excited to see the different themes painted on each of the beds!
While the club and officers will continue to build on the project, looking forward to the next exciting chapter, they remain deeply appreciative of the strong foundation they have built so far. Albert is very happy with how the project is progressing, he says the garden is looking “great!”
We eagerly await the continued evolution of this project and are thrilled to see the garden–and the residents–continue to flourish and bloom.
By Karinna Hershberger
Read the entire issue of St. Louis Spirit here!
If you would like to visit the residents’ garden and St. Louis Center, please fill out the form below! The newly founded St. Louis Center Welcoming Committee would greatly enjoy showing you around!
