Center of Hope through its Body and Soul Health and Wellness Ministry and Youth department has established a partnership with Toledo Grows through the Toledo Botanical Garden for technical assistance, materials & supplies and hands-on help to begin and sustain the Jericho Road Youth Urban Garden project.
Center of Hope also partners with Community Heart Health Project of the Toledo-Lucas County Health Department, Center of Hope Family Services, City in a Garden and other urban agriculture initiatives. The garden is directly behind the church and the official address is 1661 Palmwood.
The Jericho Road Youth Urban Garden will:
Provide access to produce or nutritionally rich foods otherwise unavailable to many families and individuals.
Donate produce to Martin Luther King Kitchen for the Poor.
Create or enhance access to places for physical activity.
Allow children and their parents to eat healthier, more nutrient rich diets.
Provide education where youth acquire agricultural skills, obtain nutrition awareness, and learn about the importance of soil and the basic need for plants to be nurtured and cared for.
The Location
This is where the garden will be planted. Located behind the church, it's official address is 1661 Palmwood Ave.
The Soil
The recenlty tilled soil awaits the plants to be planted by the COH Youth. The youth will plant collards, okra, tomatoes, sweet peppers, hot peppers, Swiss chard, and squash.
Pep Talk & Prayer
Before they get started, the youth receive some words of encouragement from their Pastor, Dr. Perryman. Afterwards, they join hands and pray.
Unloading the Plants
Unloading the Plants 2
The Demonstration
Dea. Katie, the Director of The Body & Soul Wellness Ministry, shows the youth how to prep the soil and put the plants in the ground.
The Demonstration 2
Armed with Knowledge
After receiveing the tutorial, the youth take over and begin planting.
Planting
Planting 2
Planting 3
Planting 4
Planting 5
Making Observations
While planting, Sis. Terrina observes the spicy aroma of the Calendula, one the several edible flowers that were planted.
Planting 6
Planting 7
Planting 8
Planting 9
Planting 10
Planting 11
Bordered by Beauty
Flowers, such as this Dahlia, were planted along the Northern and Southern border of the garden for aesthetic purposes.
Planting 12
Planting 13
Planting 14
Planting 15
Planting 16
Planting 17
Planting 18
Planting 19
Planting 20
Digging
Watering Demontration
Dea. Katie shows the youth how to properly water the plants before securing them in the soil.
Watering & Packing
Dea. Katie waters the plants wile Dea. Blango and the youth follow and pack the soil around the plants.
Watering & Packing 2
Watering
Watering 2
Packing
Watering & Packing 3
Packing 2
Packing 3
Watering 3
Watering 4
The Inspection
Bro. Marshall (18 months old) comes out to inspect the work.
The Inspection 2
Making Minor Adjustments
18 month-old Marshall makes some minor adjustments to some of the plants.
Gathering the Mulch
Marshall then decides to help gather some mulch to be placed around the plants to aid in fertilization.
