LIVING GARDEN PROJECT

TheTLP garden had a humble beginning.  It started as a plot of Colorado clay, spotted with stubborn noxious weeds.  By midsummer, 2007 we had 5 tomato plants, a few donated packages of seeds (a little late to plant seeds), some starter plants donated by staff and a couple of donated raspberry bushes for Father’s Day.  But, potential was apparent.  We worked to make the most of what we had and some of the guys became invested in the care and upkeep of our little garden.

In 2008 we were blessed with a grant from the Colorado Garden and Home Show Inc.  The guys worked diligently to turn the soil, pull endless weeds and create the stone paths that still bear their names. In an effort to create a sanctuary where a troubled young man and his counselor could spend a few moments contemplating the challenges of the day we discovered that the real strength was in the work, not in the place. In our effort to create and nurture beauty, growth and healing was taking place. The youth saw the choice of color and placement of a flower as an important challenge and responsibility. The idea that the stones laid in place today and the carefully chosen plants would still be here years later was a revelation to many.  A young man, who could not even imagine thinking of where he would be in two months let alone a year from now, said, “You mean I can come back here with my wife and kids if I have them and this will still be here?”   Many TLP youth have found hope and optimism in this most unlikely place - the garden. They protect what they have created with a new found pride.
In 2009 the Colorado Garden Show Inc. invested, once again, in the TLP garden.  We knew the funds would be available – but not until May.  In February the weather turned balmy.  The “gardeners” had a vision for a pond for the garden.  It was too early to plant, but too warm not to work on their dream.  So, they began to dig . . . and dig some more, creating a surprisingly large crater.  Once the grant funds were available, they assembled pipes and pumps and all sorts of mechanical wonders.  This soothing fountain of wonder came to life, complete with a waterfall, lilies, and fish.  The garden is a living representation of the restoration that occurs in the lives of the guys at the TLP.  Through slow, focused work they realize a metamorphosis in their lives like that in the once clay packed, weed infested piece of ground.  In many ways they are positively reaping what they are sowing. 

The TLP Garden is made possible by a generous grant from the Colorado Garden Show Inc.