Universal Garden 04/01/2007 Creativity and growth is something that Trinity Services of Joliet strives to implement in all its employees and programs. Judy Jones, master gardener and director of the horticultural program saw an opportunity to turn an unused playground into something that would bring new life to the area and provide a habitat of beauty and relaxation for Trinity residents, employees and guests – she saw a “Universal Garden.” According to Jones, “a universal garden would have something for everyone. Areas would include raised flowerbeds for people in wheelchairs, areas that would use brail to identify permanent plant materials, a sensory garden to appeal to someone’s sense of touch and smell, and also a water garden that would appeal to sight and hearing.” Having the vision was one thing, but funding the project was another. First, Jones sent out letters to the master gardeners at the University of Illinois, Cooperative Extension, Will County Unit asking for help. They responded by sending out volunteers to help rip out the existing fences and shrubs and also start the initial planting and tilling of the garden. Once their services were exhausted, Jones knew that help was still needed to take the plans into the next phase. She then sent out letters to members of Trinity’s Family and Friends, a group of “family and friends” of the people Trinity serves and supports, asking for donations of picnic tables, swings, flowers and plants. In response to the request, Mary Phillips, the sister of one of Trinity’s residents made a connection that would see the project through until the end. Her oldest son, Sean Phillips, was searching for a project that would fulfill his requirements for his Eagle Scout service award. Building a universal garden was a perfect opportunity for her son, as well as making Trinity a more beautiful home for her sister. Sean, his scout Troop 44 of New Lenox, and the youth group from United Methodist Church, all raised money on their own as well as solicited funds from various supporters in the area. Thanks to Sean and his crew’s efforts, the American Legion and United Methodist Church showed their support by donating money to help purchase the needed items. On Saturday, July 5, Troop 44 and members of the church youth group spent the entire day planting, putting together 6 picnic tables, taking old tires and turning them into a haven for flowers and plants, hanging wooden swings and turning the deserted playground into a little piece of paradise. Now, the playground that once lacked the echoes of young children is now the new home of Trinity Services Universal Gardens. With Jones’ vision now a reality, the garden will be used for Trinity events, picnics for the residents, an outdoor eating area for employees and something that Trinity can show off to visiting groups and guests. According to Jones, this project is more than she could have imagined but by no means complete. Over the next few years, she would like to see the garden grow. Pavers, a cement walkway for the easy access of wheelchairs, as well as a few birdfeeders are just a few of the additions that will be considered.

Universal Garden

04/01/2007

Creativity and growth is something that Trinity Services of Joliet strives to implement in all its employees and programs. Judy Jones, master gardener and director of the horticultural program saw an opportunity to turn an unused playground into something that would bring new life to the area and provide a habitat of beauty and relaxation for Trinity residents, employees and guests – she saw a “Universal Garden.”

According to Jones, “a universal garden would have something for everyone. Areas would include raised flowerbeds for people in wheelchairs, areas that would use brail to identify permanent plant materials, a sensory garden to appeal to someone’s sense of touch and smell, and also a water garden that would appeal to sight and hearing.” Having the vision was one thing, but funding the project was another.

First, Jones sent out letters to the master gardeners at the University of Illinois, Cooperative Extension, Will County Unit asking for help. They responded by sending out volunteers to help rip out the existing fences and shrubs and also start the initial planting and tilling of the garden. Once their services were exhausted, Jones knew that help was still needed to take the plans into the next phase. She then sent out letters to members of Trinity’s Family and Friends, a group of “family and friends” of the people Trinity serves and supports, asking for donations of picnic tables, swings, flowers and plants. In response to the request, Mary Phillips, the sister of one of Trinity’s residents made a connection that would see the project through until the end. Her oldest son, Sean Phillips, was searching for a project that would fulfill his requirements for his Eagle Scout service award. Building a universal garden was a perfect opportunity for her son, as well as making Trinity a more beautiful home for her sister.

Sean, his scout Troop 44 of New Lenox, and the youth group from United Methodist Church, all raised money on their own as well as solicited funds from various supporters in the area. Thanks to Sean and his crew’s efforts, the American Legion and United Methodist Church showed their support by donating money to help purchase the needed items.

On Saturday, July 5, Troop 44 and members of the church youth group spent the entire day planting, putting together 6 picnic tables, taking old tires and turning them into a haven for flowers and plants, hanging wooden swings and turning the deserted playground into a little piece of paradise. Now, the playground that once lacked the echoes of young children is now the new home of Trinity Services Universal Gardens.

With Jones’ vision now a reality, the garden will be used for Trinity events, picnics for the residents, an outdoor eating area for employees and something that Trinity can show off to visiting groups and guests. According to Jones, this project is more than she could have imagined but by no means complete. Over the next few years, she would like to see the garden grow. Pavers, a cement walkway for the easy access of wheelchairs, as well as a few birdfeeders are just a few of the additions that will be considered.