As you approach the VA Greenhouse, the first thing that catches your eye are the vegetable gardens and the cart that holds the produce, asking visitors to take what they need. Nearby, the cutting garden bursts with colorful blooms. Stepping inside the greenhouse, you’re greeted by rows of tables brimming with a diverse collection of plants, each thriving under the care of dedicated volunteers. This serene setting, a collaboration between the Vermilion County Master Gardeners and the VA Illiana Health Care System, has blossomed into a sanctuary of healing, hope, and education for veterans, their families, and VA staff.
A Continuation of Service
For Randy Edwards, a Master Gardener and Navy veteran, the project is more than just gardening; it’s a continuation of his service to the country. “It’s a good mix. I get a chance to continue to serve the country. I see a lot of people that could have been friends or shipmates, and I get to help them with what they need to do. And continue the connection there,” he shared.
This sentiment is echoed by Debbie Edwards, a Master Gardener who, like many involved, sees the project as a way to give back. “They love it when they see us come and they recognize us. We feel we’re giving them something back for all they did.”
Innovative and Inclusive Programs
The VA Greenhouse Project has evolved into a multifaceted initiative, offering a variety of programs tailored to meet the needs of veterans of all ages, their families, and VA staff. The greenhouse has become a sanctuary for learning, healing, and connection, from seed-starting activities to educational workshops.
“It’s a good way to bring the outside in,” said Randy Edwards. “We have a chance to bring plant materials from the greenhouse to their residential areas. It’s a continuation of our mission here as Extension to bring education to them.”
The greenhouse has also become a place for VA staff to connect and engage. “Working with VA staff, we recognize that they hold important jobs and may have days where they are struggling,” says Master Gardener and former VA Employee Deby Lutterschmidt.”A nurse came in one day and asked if she could walk around and look at the plants. She spent about 20-30 minutes walking around. As she was leaving, she said, ‘Thank you — I needed this.’”
The greenhouse’s impact extends beyond the veterans and employees, touching the lives of their families as well. Lutterschmidt recalled a touching interaction with a veteran’s wife. “Her husband was at an appointment. They were from a town in Southern Illinois. She walked through the greenhouse and asked us about a plant she had seen in town, and wanted to know if we had it. And I said, ‘I know exactly what you’re looking for.’ So, I took her to the plant, and she was absolutely ecstatic that we had it. And I took it and said, ‘You can have this.’ She had tears in her eyes; she was so excited that I could give her this plant, and she came back for the next appointment and thanked me profusely because she’d had success with it.”
The VA Greenhouse Project continually evolves, with new initiatives and expanded outreach. “This is not just one project,” explained Randy Edwards. “We have the greenhouse, the outreach program with the veterans in the residential areas, the healing garden, and the lunch and learn, which has started to expand/broadcast to other VAs as well.”
Recognition for Excellence
In recognition of their outstanding teamwork and dedication, the VA Greenhouse Project team will be honored with the Teamwork Award at the State Master Gardener Conference on Sept. 12. This award celebrates the collaboration between the Vermilion County Master Gardeners and the VA, whose efforts have made a lasting impact on veterans, their families, and the community.
Looking Forward
As the VA Greenhouse Project continues to flourish, its commitment to empowering veterans through gardening remains unwavering. The project serves as a model of innovation, collaboration, and compassion, with an open invitation for new volunteers to join and contribute their time and ideas. As Randy Edwards aptly put it, “You can do a little, or you can do a lot. You can fit in there if you have just time for one thing. There is a lot of overlap. We’re always encouraged to have new Master Gardeners coming in to donate their time and ideas. It’s not just pulling weeds and watering pots.”
Learn more about the Vermilion County Master Gardeners at go.illinois.edu/VCMG or contact Jenney Hanrahan at jhanraha@illinois.edu. You can also visit the office at 3164 N. Vermilion St.