Our Programs

Garden of Hope


It all started with an idea...
St. Matthew's House volunteer and gardening enthusiast Steve Kitchen approached us with an idea to plant a vegetable garden here at St. Matthew's House.We agreed it would be a great thing to do that would not only help provide healthy, homegrown food to residents but also teach them a valuable skill. Then Steve proceeded to gather donations from coworkers and others to pay for the materials.
His commitment and enthusiasm paid off, and the Garden of Hope is now a reality!
If you would like to donate toward the Garden of Hope, please indicate in the "comments" section of the online form that your donation is for the Garden of Hope.
We could always use your help, too! If you (and possibly your group/organization) would like to volunteer to help tend the garden, please contact us and we'll schedule you in.

Our thanks to the following groups who have helped or are helping with the Garden:

  • University of Florida IFAS Collier County Extension Office
  • Sown Together of Ft. Myers
  • First Baptist Church of Naples
  • Gordon Skrede, "Gardener Extraordinaire", and owner of a local farm

Check back here or visit our Facebook  page for Garden of Hope progress updates and pictures.


Early September 2009, the Garden goes in...

     

    
By mid-September, seeds have been planted    
and our Garden has begun to grow!             October 2009 - Look at this radish!  

                  Garden Project October

November 2009: With help from Robert Halman (University of Florida Collier County Extension) and professional gardener Gordon Skrede (pictured L-R below), the Garden kicks into high gear and starts producing.

                                 

December 2009: Our garden is growing! So far we have a crop of basil, green beans and tomatoes. The lettuce and radishes are looking great as well.

 

 

February, 2010: Although it's been an unusually cold winter, the Garden has been tended to and is producing. Carrots, radishes, tomatoes, basil and lettuce abound!

                   

 

March/April 2010: Lettuce, carrots and tomatoes are still doing well as temps start to heat up. And just look at our broccoli!

June 2010: With the main gardening season winding down, we've planted zucchini and cucumbers as summer crops to keep the Garden active.

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St. Matthew's House, Inc. o 2001 Airport Road South, Naples, FL 34112 o Phone: 239-774-0500 o Fax: 239-774-7146