By Rebecca Weinfield / August 20, 2026
Creations are in bloom for the WAE center’s gardening group this summer! Jennifer Pisani, our horticulture consultant, has been working with members to bring their gardening visions to life. Each member created a journal for their “dream garden,” and have slowly and patiently watched their dreams come to fruition.
Karen K. planted a small Mardi Gras seed in the Welcome Garden back in April, and after months of meticulous care, it recently bloomed into a lovely, bright pink flower! Margo R. also planted Ageratum seeds which have blossomed into beautiful purple flowers this summer.
Additionally, the group planted sunflowers in April and have been watching them grow- slowly and steadily. Morgan G. has been documenting the growth of her Hopi Black Dye sunflower- the flower started with just three leaves and has grown over 14 inches in one week!
Gardening class extends beyond flowers to include vegetables, such as tomatoes, which the group has been collectively growing and picking at their peak ripeness! Roberto N. planted an “Alice’s Dream” plant, which grows tomatoes that he picks, with the intention of sharing with friends and family. Meanwhile, Greg W. has been working hard on nurturing his lettuce plants that have been growing and flourishing all summer. He has been fertilizing, watering, and eventually harvesting the fully grown lettuce to share with others!
Gardening provides members with the opportunity to watch their horticultural ideas come to life while building a close-knit community of people who are inspired by the organic process of growth. Members utilize their nurturing skillset and support one another as the garden grows into a remarkable testament to what can be accomplished when hard work meets patience and dedication.