Getting ready for Fall

Days are becoming shorter and nights are slowly cooling, fall time is fast approaching! Today was the day for us to prepare our garden for the cooler months ahead. It was expected that our weather would reach the triple digits today so we ventured out to the garden well prepared. We started early in the morning; and clients kept cool and hydrated by wearing wet rags over their heads and sipping on ice water. Clients were eager to begin work in the garden and were busily weeding and turning the soil in the flower beds. We planted seven mums, three pansy plants, and sixteen marigolds. While planting the flowers the clients engaged in casual conversation with staff and their peers; there were also many quiet, reflective moments. Once they were finished planting the flowers all the clients stood back from the flower beds and admired their hard work. Next on our agenda for the day is to plant two hundred-nineteen bulbs, which include crocus, paperwhites and a variety of tulips. Come springtime we invite you to return to our blog to view pictures of our spring blooms!

Recovery Garden - Green and Lush

Our Recovery Garden has filled in nicely.  The ground cover is taking hold and filling in around the flowers, just in time for the Redding summer heat.  Some of the early blooms around the trees are dying off and need to be clipped back.  We will get a group together and gather the seed pods to replant next season.

April 20, 2012 - Friday before Earth Day 2012

Weather prevented our March park cleanup and planting; however, today was a beautiful chance to freshen up the area around the Graham Park sign. We cleared out the weeds, turned the soil, added some rich soil with plant food, and began our planting. We planted more Iris, Pansies, Petunias, and Impatiens. Staff and clients who were able to helped out where they could. Clients really seemed to like the therapuetic gardening and a chance to enjoy the park atmosphere and sunshine.

Mild Winter Winding Down

Our Recovery Garden has undergone some positive changes this month. The City of Redding installed wheelchair access to the park, as well as a new picnic table and water fountain. The mild winter and, seemingly, early spring has tricked some of the flower beds into bloom. We are looking forward to designating a day in March to get out there and do some much needed weeding and replanting. We will be turning the soil and fertilizing to gear up for spring. We might plant another citrus, as the grapefruit tree didn't make it.

Spring rushed into Summer

Spring rushed into Summer last week here in Redding. Our rainy Winter-Spring has really provided plenty of water and temperate conditions to enhance the beauty of our gardens.

Clients continue to enjoy weekend tending to the gardens. The water also increased the wild flowers (weeds). We've added a grapefruit tree to the "mini-orchard" in progress. Our apple tree produced a few apples last year. We are hoping for a few more this year.

The enjoyment of getting our hands dirty and the benefits of beauty we are reaping when we work or relax in the park, is really paying off on so many levels. The joy of accomplishment and the serenity of peace and beauty are all enjoyed.

Enjoying Earth Day 2011

Our Iris collection is absolutely stunning this year. This is the second full year of the bulbs acclimating to their new home in Redding.


Our Earth Day garden chores included spring weeding and trimming, and we planted our annual petunias. Our fingers are crossed that Mother Nature will be kind to them by allowing spring to take its normal course. We've had an unusually long winter.


The park looks so inviting this time of year with all of the new life. Stop by and enjoy.

Smoky Mauve Irises and Flowers in Bloom Mid April 2011

Our donated Iris bulbs have done well. This is the second year since planting, and they really seem to love the soil and location. Our staff and clients certainly love to look at them!