Garden Inspires Developmentally Disabled

If you have a question about gardening, Marcus Griggs is the man you want to ask.

Griggs, an employee at VIP Industries in Cape, was happy to learn about the new garden project at the workshop, as it brings back many memories of his childhood.

Countless hours have already been devoted to preparing and taking care of a small plot of land in the hopes of harvesting vegetables.

And so far so good.

While the recent flooding had an adverse effect on the garden, most of the garden is thriving.

"The lettuce, spinach, broccoli, and cabbage have been growing quickly, but the tomatoes have been struggling," said Chris Howe, the team leader for the garden project.

Some vegetables have been harvested already, including some Romaine lettuce, Black Seeded Simpson lettuce, and broccoli sprouts.

"We will be continuing to harvest these and other vegetables as they become available," Howe said. "The vegetables will be served to the employees at lunchtime or stored for in-house events."

While many of the employees involved in the project enjoy the opportunity to get outdoors, they are also experiencing an outlet for caring and nurturing something.

"Some of our employees may not get the experience to watch something grow from their own hard work such as a pet at home," Howe noted.

And Griggs knows from prior experience just how important a garden can be.

"You have to tend to that garden like it's your baby," he said.

Griggs helped his parents plant and tend to a garden when he was a child.

"You name it, we planted it," he said, adding that he enjoys having the opportunity to garden again. "I'd be glad to teach anybody the knowledge."

First time gardener, Hillary Thomas, is enjoying being part of the project as well.

"It's awesome to see the vegetables grow," she said, adding that it is amazing to see a seed turn into something she can eat.

The purpose of the VIP garden project is to provide education and fun through vegetable gardening. Individuals are learning how to plant, nurture, and identify vegetables.

"There are several benefits to gardening for everyone such as reducing stress and burning extra calories for exercise," Howe said. "We hope to capitalize on these benefits."

Another benefit of the garden is it teaches self-sustainability in the community, he added.

Plus, the employees are receiving an opportunity to try new vegetables and recipes. Nathan, one individual who stated he did not like green vegetables, tried the lettuce and broccoli and decided he liked it after all, Howe noted.

For Griggs, one of the greatest benefits of having a garden is knowing exactly what he is eating when he eats a vegetable that he planted.

"You know what's in it," he said.

Employees participated in the initial tilling process, seed and sapling planting, watering, fertilizing, and weeding. They also harvested and prepped the vegetables for consumption.

And while the weather has certainly played a negative role on the garden this year, the upside to the project has been the participation.

"Almost all VIP employees have eagerly voiced their interest in working on the garden," Howe said. "Many times, there is not enough work to go around for everyone!"

VIP Industries is one of the largest sheltered workshops in the state of Missouri. They have been in operation for over 43 years providing programs and services to more than 2,400 individuals with developmental disabilities.

For more information about VIP Industries, including the services and programs they offer, go to their website at www.vipindustries.com, call 573-334-9661, or stop by their office for a tour.