Resilience Grows Here, the UConn Extension Master Gardener Program and the Auerfarm 4H Education Center partnered last year to establish a Veterans’ Garden at the farm. Initially created several years ago as a sensory garden, we were offered the space to be designated as a veterans’ space. Since last year we have worked to maintain existing plants, birdhouses and benches, and have added a few more birdhouses and plants, some donated in memory of veteran family members.
Thanks to RGH and Master Gardeners, we work to keep the garden an inviting place for veterans, military families and other visitors. A donation of American flags were placed throughout the garden for Memorial Day, and they remain as a welcome and reminder of the garden’s purpose. Thanks to the Military Family Connection, we had fairy teacup gardens tucked in among the plants this summer and have additional birdhouses to be installed. And Leesa has donated plants from home.
We’re now brainstorming ways to further enhance the garden with new signage that identifies this as The Veterans’ Garden, additional seating, new wood edging and perhaps a “little library”, a seed sharing station and plaques or other kinds of memorials or commemorations. Rich Timberlake and Lee Wilson have been strong supporters since the beginning of this adventure. Rich has put in many hours of weeding, weed-whacking, planting and birdhouse installations. Maybe that’s why the first new birdhouse he erected carried the Marine Corps insignia! Let’s get all the branches represented!
We’re now ready to dig up the tender perennial plants for their winter vacation in the greenhouse, and do some fall garden cleaning. A few birdhouses have fallen down, so they need to be reinstalled, as well as new poles and the additional birdhouses. Fall and winter are good times to work on our signs and other construction, and all help will be greatly appreciated.
For anyone who has visited the Garden and Auerfarm, or joined us on our September farm march, we hope that you have enjoyed the space. This garden is yours. With all hands on deck, we can be creative, have fun and continue to provide a welcoming setting that commemorates the service and sacrifice of our veterans and active service members.
(Article credit to, Kim Radda, a member of the RGH Steering Committee)
Auer Farm is located at 158 Auer Farm Rd., Bloomfield, CT.
Auerfarm is open to the public from 7am - 7pm. Come visit the animals, do some leaf peeping, walk our trails and enjoy the 120 acres we have to offer. Please bring a mask in case you are unable to socially distance. For any questions, please call 860.242.7144.
https://auerfarm.org/
