April showers bring May flowers, and for Allies, those same showers will usher in fruit, vegetables, herbs, and more as Project Grow gets underway for the 2025 growing season.
Spring is a special time for Project Grow. All of the preparatory work done overwinter is complete and it is time to begin preparing the gardens that will contribute to Project Grow’s success.
As the summer progresses, Project Grow participants will assist in the planting, tending, and harvesting of bountiful harvests. This year, Project Grow leaders are aiming to donate more than 2,000 pounds of food to food banks throughout New Jersey.
Project Grow’s plant material is donated by an local organization that wishes to remain anonymous. In total, these donations help Project Grow to reach its full potential and provide as many donations as possible.
Right now, volunteers and employees are preparing gardens and raised beds at Mercer County Community College. While that work goes on, other workers are up-potting the donated plant materials. The process involves taking the donated plugs and planting them in larger planters to help them get started before being transferred to the gardens and raised beds.
“Project Grow is about more than just plants, it is important for our folks to learn about the whole garden ecosystem,” said MaryAnne McMillan, HTR, horticultural therapist at Allies and a leader of Project Grow, said. “We are really promoting development and growth for those who participate.”
Throughout the growing season, McMillan and other members of Project Grow leadership travel to Allies day habilitation programs to teach attendees about horticultural therapy. This year, the primary focus of the curriculum is pollinators and the way they interact with the garden ecosystem.
“We are going to be planting flowers that are very enticing for birds, butterflies, and other pollinators,” McMillan said. In addition to pollinators, the new curriculum will continue to stress the importance of companion plants and their role in a garden environment.
Aside from being fun, horticultural therapy and the lessons associated are beneficial for everyone.
“Horticultural therapy has allowed many people to achieve gainful employment when they might otherwise have difficulty with that,” Nick Stryker, who is in his 14th year working with Project Grow, said. “It is rewarding to have the opportunity to be a part of someone’s growth and learning over time.”
“The Project Grow presence at Allies demonstrates the innovative services that we provide,” Beth Lopez, VP of Day Habilitation Services at Allies, said. “Project Grow is an initiative that allows individuals to participate in horticulture activities while giving back to the community. It is a win – win situation for everyone who is involved.”
About Allies, Inc.:
Allies, Inc. is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing housing, healthcare, meaningful employment and recreational activities to people with special needs in the communities of their choice. To learn more, visit www.alliesnj.org.
Contact: Erich Martin, Director of Communications, Allies, Inc.
Cell: 609-508-6181
Email: emartin@alliesnj.org