It’s amazing that we have been able to enjoy such beautiful weather throughout WNY most of October: we’ve lucked out with crystal clear blue skies and pleasant temperatures that encourage us to spend more time outdoors before the inevitable cold sets in. Even the blooms at Aspire of WNY’s Beleaf-Abilities plot within the Lakeview Community Garden were going strong right up to the end of the month!
Almost a decade ago Aspire of WNY’s Community and Independent Living Supports (CLIS) program began renting a plot of land within the Lakeview Community Garden, and since then individuals from Aspire of WNY have been instrumental in all aspects of garden-care. Beleaf-Abilities is a horticultural and gardening initiative designed for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to participate in hand-on activities that help build confidence, improve communication, encourage social interaction, and foster a sense of independence. Every May a team of eager gardeners carefully plant what will eventually grow and bloom into a riot of color that can be enjoyed by the entire Jamestown community, not just Aspire of WNY. Individuals diligently monitor the weather and temperature, often heading to the garden to water not just once but twice or more during particularly hot days.
Aspire of WNY is proud to not only teach skills about plant-care to the individuals we support, but to utilize this garden to spread color and joy to others within the community who could use a ray of sunshine. Flowers are harvested weekly and made into bouquets that are provided to local nursing home residents!
The staff at our Mall Boulevard spent some time tidying the garden for the impending change of season, clearing out withered leaves and tangled limbs now that the plantings have passed their peak. They were pleasantly surprised to see so many flowers still thriving amongst the garden debris so late in October!
Bright pink snapdragons, gerbera daisies in vibrant yellows and oranges, delicate straw flowers, and more still proudly dotted the Beleaf-Abilities garden, poking their delicate heads through the faded flowers. The team couldn’t let the gorgeous flowers await their frosty fate outdoors, so they decided to brighten a few colleagues’ desks by bringing some of the sunshine indoors! They harvested what remained and created a few stunning arrangements that they shared with Dan, Deb, and the front desk team at Mall Boulevard.
If you find yourself out in the Southern Tier area and are looking to spend some time exploring nature, be sure to stop by the Lakeview Community Garden to see the efforts of so many wonderful gardeners. In addition to an astounding variety of flowers, there are vegetables and herbs, as well as native plantings flourishing around the perimeter. This community garden is managed and supported by the Jamestown Farmers Market, which is essential in connecting the community with fresh food year-round every Saturday in downtown Jamestown. Please visit their website for additional details: https://www.jfmny.org/
