Our Programs
Garden of Hope
It all started with a vision...
Season 3 - March 2011
Gardening gurus Matt Steves and Gordon Skrede have overseen the planting of what promises to be a banner season of crops. This season also brings the addition of a beautifully designed herb garden featuring close to a dozen different herbs. The herb garden has been planted in a terrace style to help prevent erosion, and is a labor of love by SMH resident Greg W.
New plantings in the main garden include: carrots, beets, tomatoes, onions, cucumbers, pole beans, radishes, lettuce, watermelon and strawberries. Contact Matt if you are interested in helping out in the garden. Makes a great group community service project!
The garden only costs about $300/year to maintain, which covers fertilizer, seeds, tools, etc. Please consider a donation toward its upkeep. Just note in the Comments section of the donation form that it is for the Garden of Hope. Thank you for your support!
Here comes Season 2!
October, 2010: The Garden gets a fresh overhaul! It's a new season, and our crew has gone in to clear out the old and plant the new! If all goes well, this year's crop will include: tomatoes, cabbage, broccoli, carrots, beets, lettuce, pole beans, bush beans, radishes and cucumbers. Here are some pics:
Our thanks to the following groups who have helped or are helping with the Garden:
- Marco Island Marriott Beach Resort, Golf Course and Spa
- University of Florida IFAS Collier County Extension Office
- Sown Together of Ft. Myers
- First Baptist Church of Naples
- Gordon Skrede, "Gardener Extraordinaire", and owner of a local farm
Check back here or visit our Facebook page for Garden of Hope progress updates and pictures.
Early September 2009, the Garden goes in...
By mid-September, seeds have been planted
and our Garden has begun to grow! October
2009 - Look at this radish!
November 2009: With help from Robert Halman (University of Florida Collier County Extension) and professional gardener Gordon Skrede (pictured L-R below), the Garden kicks into high gear and starts producing.
December 2009: Our garden is growing! So far we have a crop of basil, green beans and tomatoes. The lettuce and radishes are looking great as well.
February, 2010: Although it's been an unusually cold winter, the Garden has been tended to and is producing. Carrots, radishes, tomatoes, basil and lettuce abound!
March/April 2010: Lettuce, carrots and tomatoes are still doing well as temps start to heat up. And just look at our broccoli!
June 2010: With the main gardening season winding down, we've planted zucchini and cucumbers as summer crops to keep the Garden active.
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