Brooks House resident Laura and manager Debbie with SAG members Dorrie Anshel and Sandy Cosentino at the completed garden.
BROOKS TRANSITIONAL HOUSE’S SUMMER GARDEN
For the sixth consecutive year, Salt Air Gardeners (SAG) volunteers met with residents of the Brooks Transition House in Georgetown to discuss what they would like to plant in their summer garden. The Brooks program assists vulnerable women in southern Delaware by providing safe, sober housing, supporting them to grow and to become empowered, independent, sober citizens. Committee Chair Marty Shriver purchased the plants, which included peppers, tomatoes, cucumbers, eggplant, zucchini, and herbs. Just after Mother’s Day the volunteers returned to help the residents plant. “It was pouring rain on our drive there,” says Marty. “As soon as we arrived, the rain stopped, and we were able to plant everything. As soon as we finished, the rains started. Mother Nature decided to let us get on with our plans!”
Catie Soriano, DNREC
NATIVE PLANT SEMINARS SAG’s last two meetings before their summer hiatus featured guest speakers Catie Soriano, Environmental Scientist II with DNREC, and Kate Patton, Executive Director of the Lower Shore Land Trust.
They presented informative slide shows about the problems caused by invasive species and loss of natural habitats; the impact of declining pollinators on Delmarva’s agriculture; and how home gardeners can help to restore bee and butterfly populations.
Oksana Hoey, SAG president, said that members were visibly energized by the presentations. “The talks were extremely informative about the unique ecosystem here on the shore. As a result, many of our members added natives to their home gardens this year.”