HEROIC GARDENS

A multitude of Americans return from military service with emotional issues from the battlefront, sexual abuse, long deployments, and other causes. Military families also suffer their own traumas. But only a fraction ever seek formal treatment for their ‘invisible wounds.”

So, how are US soldiers being treated for something that cannot be seen beyond their visit to the VA? Our mission at Heroic Gardens is to facilitate healing by introducing veterans and their families to plants and nature. We help them learn to see how interacting with plants can be an integral part of their overall well-being.

We freely help veterans across the Delaware Valley in several ways:

Transforming their landscapes. Whether it is a family back yard, planters on the patio, or just a window box, we provide free assistance to helping veterans and their families realize an outdoor space to bring them peace and tranquility. We often witness personal transformations in their attitudes and actions, and spillover improvements to the neighborhood.

Restoring veteran community parks. Working with local entities, we help them reclaim the park’s intention of honoring those who served. Rejuvenated parks also bring social, economic, and health benefits to the whole community.

Providing free in-person and virtual social horticulture classes. When the pandemic hit, we launched Mission Windowsill, classes by videoconference, to broaden the reach of those classes. Now, it only takes a smartphone, tablet, or laptop to get growing. From house plants to orchid care to dried flower wreaths, our veterans are learning to garden in the safety of their own homes. Every two weeks, veterans receive a hand-delivered kit containing all the supplies needed for the activity. We then meet via Zoom, with a registered horticultural therapist guiding the group through the project, socializing as they learn.

We noticed that as time went by, social barriers dissipated as veterans joked, and offered advice and support to their fellow gardeners. We received numerous emails with questions and feedback, not just from class members but from others in the building curious to learn more about the program!

We are always looking for volunteers and donors as our organization continues to expand beyond the Delaware Valley. Visit us at www.heroicgardens.org. We’d love to meet you!