BEETS build gardens at Plaza East

IMG_20170415_131716138_HDROur Fall-Spring cohort of BEETS (Band of Environmentally Educated & Employable Teens) embarked on a special project to improve the backyards of seniors living in Plaza East Apartments. They spent months preparing for the project by learning how to consult with residents, design container gardens and create a garden care guide based on what they learned. IMG_20170124_165808783 IMG_20170413_164113608IMG_0991The garden guide highlighted the importance of growing organic, having healthy soil, weeding, mulching, watering and pruning. It also had advice on pest management. IMG_20170412_103400823IMG_20170502_162944037IMG_20170422_120004692_TOPWith a lot of sweat and love, the BEETS transformed overgrown gardens into spaces with endless possibilities. They also worked with the resident to design and build a container garden for their new space. IMG_20170422_122341724_HDRAll three residents received a maintained yard, new container garden, a garden tool kit and a garden care guide.IMG_20170502_170353610_HDR One resident said, “I can actually see myself out here in the yard.”IMG_20170415_133553962 We hope our three seniors can spend more time outside in their yards to practice their gardening skills, exercise, get some fresh air and to simply smell the roses.Attach0 (1)