This Blog was written by our wonderful participant Rynn, whose partner, Kelly, is a disabled veteran who lost her vision. Through gardening and Grow Your Own, they’ve found a new way to enjoy the outdoors and found a new passion in the garden. To many, their garden becomes a way to destress. To surround all of their senses with everything the earth has to give. From the incredible smells, to feeling the warm sun on your skin. The overwhelming satisfaction and flavors of growing your own food from seeds.

Rynn writes:

“Gardening is becoming one of Kelly’s passions. Though she is blind, she knows where everything is because she has built it (we are on a slope and can only do above ground gardening) and planted it. We have learned that birds and critters will eat just about every seed EVER and that bears have very selective tastebuds (garlic bulbs over strawberries?! Who knew?). We were able to purchase an inexpensive roll of electric fencing to wrap around the garden and protect our investment. Kelly has built all of our garden boxes (most from reclaimed cedar fence posts and free pallet wood). We are learning about native species alongside those we’ve planted and learning to store/preserve/utilize in salves, etc.

As a disabled veteran who is also blind, feeling useful and productive is powerful. The added bonus of puzzling out the placement and timing of planting in the “wilds” of rural, southwestern Virginia coupled with all of the physical movement, dexterity, balance, etc. are allowing her to access some of her strongest skillsets that have been left untapped in many ways. There is frustration and setbacks, and these seem to be more about the learning process and less about the “dis” in her abilities (sometimes, these are there too!)

How ‘Grow Your Own’ Has Helped.

We’re really thankful we joined. The classes have been a big help for us both. And now it’s something we look forward to joining and learning from every month. It’s nice to be able to ask questions and know that you’ll take the time to look into it. You always give your full support to answer questions, even late into the evenings and on the weekends.

Thanks again for the tools, netting and the fabric planters! We’re hoping to build a small orchard on the property (peach, tart cherry, apple…) We’ll have to invest in another bear fence for sure! ”

A special ‘Thank You’

Berea College’s Grow Appalachia has given programs like Grow Your Own from ASD the necessary support to make stories like this a reality. Through combined efforts, we’re able to bring so many people the opportunity and tools to learn and start growing fresh foods in their own backyards and communities.