UGA Cooperative Extension
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Fayette County Extension Office:
Master Gardener Extension Volunteers
Special Projects
Fayette County is blessed to have several dedicated and determined Master Gardener Extension Volunteers who lead by example. They provide programs throughout the year, but they also have taken on a couple special projects that benefit not only those in Fayette County, but also several in the surrounding region.
Plant A Row for the Hungry Garden
Since 2000, this project has donated over 200,000 pounds of fresh vegetables to various community service organizations throughout Fayette County and the surrounding area. Some of the organizations receiving fresh vegetables include: DFACS and the Fayette Samaritans, The Battered Women's Shelter, Youth Protection Homes, and the Fayette County Senior Center. The retail value of these commodities in 2010 was well over $120,000.00!
This project, which began with Master Gardener Extension Volunteers planting an additional row in their own personal gardens, now maintains a one-acre plot near the New Hope Baptist Church.
Therapy Garden Project
The Fayette County Master Gardener Extension Volunteers joined forces with the hospital auxiliary to develop three distinct areas of planning and planting; the indoor courtyard, the second floor terrace, and the outdoor 5-acre Therapy Garden. Sunshine, fresh air and plants are the prescription for wellness in these three gardens providing a "healing getaway" from the hospital environment for patients, families, staff, and community residents.
The courtyard, located on the first floor, has a walking path surrounded by two ponds and a waterfall. Assorted perennials, annuals, shrubs and trees grace this serene area. Outpatients, visitors and staff can appreciate the gardens here.
The second floor terrace is an outdoor patio located adjacent to the facility's main medical-surgical rooms. Inpatients, families and staff can appreciate the fresh air on the terrace while enjoying 22 annual/perennial planters filled with assorted colors and textures. Nine beautiful Trident Maples planted in 50-gallon circular planters, provide shade and privacy to an otherwise open-air setting.
November 2001 marked the groundbreaking of the 5-acre Therapy Garden located behind the hospital. This area combines gardening and medicine for therapeutic healing of patients, families and members of the community. The plan provides for a pond, waterfall, trees, shrubs and a walking path. Also included is an assortment of individual interactive gardens to stimulate the senses while providing rehabilitation, both physical and emotional. Traditional therapy moves from the indoor setting to the outdoors. The goal is to help promote inner peace, strength and healing for community. Master Gardener Extension Volunteers share their time and expertise. By working together, we all make a difference.
Senior Center Garden
This project is still in the planning phase, but several Master Gardener Extension Volunteers have been instrumental in creating a raised bed garden for Senior Center participants. This garden will give them the ability to garden and produce their own foods in an environment suited for those with limited mobility.
