Trinity Services' Horticulture Program Flower and Garden Sale May 1 and 7

Planting, transplanting, potting, watering, mulching, weeding, sorting and organizing—Trinity Services’ horticulture program is a flurry of activities as staff and gardeners prepare for the annual Flower and Garden Sale May 1 and 7.

A wide variety of bedding plants, herbs, flowers, grasses, vegetables, hanging baskets and more will be available for sale from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Sunday, May 1, and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday, May 7 at 100 N. Gougar Road, Joliet. Proceeds from the sales benefit people with disabilities served by Trinity Services, Inc.

The horticulture program is one of Trinity’s innovative Adult Learning programs for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The program operates outdoor gardens and a year-round greenhouse behind Trinity’s building on the southeast corner of Gougar and Francis roads, just north of Route 30.

“No matter what the season, there’s always something to learn out here,” said program staff member Val Woodkirk.

“We get everyone in the program involved as much as we can. They work hard, but it gives them a sense of responsibility and accomplishment,” said Woodkirk's colleague, June Bass.

Participants learn how to plant, water properly and weed, but that’s just one aspect of the program. “They learn the difference between plants and herbs and what you use herbs for. We cut and dry herbs to use in our culinary program and to sell. In the fall, we harvest perennial seeds from the garden and properly dry them then package and label them. We make seasonal baskets and planters…and we use environmentally responsible methods, such as composting, to nurture plants without the use of pesticides and insecticides,” Woodkirk said.

Participants use everything from Braille labeling if they are blind, to adaptive gardening tools if they have physical disabilities. These supports open up a new world to a person who had been unable to take part in gardening.

Richard, who began attending the Adult Learning program at Trinity about a year ago, said he looks forward to the days he spends in the greenhouse and gardens. “I like that we get to go outside and do stuff in the garden. It keeps you busy,” he said as he toted a bucket of mulch on his electric wheelchair and then dumped it around the flowers, sprucing up the area in preparation for the spring sale.

“What can I do now, Val?” asked Brett, who was eager to help. “You want to water the plants we just potted? “ “Ok, I’ll do a good job,” Brett said as he went the get the watering wand. “I know you will,” Woodkirk responded with a smile.

In addition to the plants, a few resident turtles and some fish add wonder and joy as participants focus on caring for and respecting animals.

The textures, movements, colors and sounds of the activities appeal to the senses. The indoor and outdoor activities not only educate, but also provide stimulation, exercise and valuable skills. It helps participants develop better social skills, improve motor coordination, enhance self-esteem and learn job skills.

Trinity calls this a universal garden, which is adapted from The Horticultural Therapy Association's term enabling gardens. Every part of it can be accessed and used by a person with or without a disability. Paved walkways allow a person in a wheelchair to easily access the picnic and garden features. And, garden plots are built on a revolving stand or a planting wall to reduce the "chore" aspect of plant care. For visitors and workers alike, the organic vegetable garden has viewing windows that provide a look at what is happening in the soil underground.

The greenhouse is then open on weekdays through the end of May. Bedding plants, herbs, vegetables, hanging baskets, exotic annuals, container gardens, and special orders are available at reasonable prices.

Watch for the holiday sales of live wreaths and poinsettias, Easter lilies in the spring, and cornstalks, hay and pumpkins in the fall. Announcements about the sales will be posted on the marquee in front of the building at 100 N. Gougar, at www.trinitygreenhouse.com, and on their Facebook page, #TrinityGreenhouse.

Trinity Services, Inc. is a 66-year-old nonprofit organization that serves 3,500 people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and/or mental illness in 31 Illinois communities in Will, Cook, Grundy, DuPage, Peoria, Jackson and St. Clair counties and in Reno, Nevada. For more information, visit www.trinity-services.org or call Sherry Ladislas, director of development, at 815-717-3750.