Sunflower Gardens, Improving New Haven Communities

Mattie Stevenson, a West Haven, CT resident, was awarded a $50 “Seeds of Encouragement” grant from Community Gardens as Appleseeds in order to create a sunflower garden. To Mattie, who feels that gardening is a healing experience, the Sunflower Windmill Garden is the first step toward establishing a strong community in the Hill neighborhood.

Neighborhood Housing Services on New Haven employee RJ Mercede, who is seen in the above picture helping Mattie sow her seeds, obtained the grant for her.

Kevin Ewing, who has gotten involved with Sunflower Windmill Garden through the Neighborhoods of Choice program, says that a garden is a great way for the residents in a community to work together to uplift their community without bringing in outside organizations. He says that the Sunflower Windmill Garden is a great starting point for the Hill neighborhood.

Article from the New Haven Register