Landscape Architect Articles

GreenCare for Troops Helps with Victory Garden02-03-16 | Department

GreenCare for Troops Helps with Victory Garden
Supporting Our Veterans

By Annie Forsyth, Marketing Coordinator, Sun Valley Landscaping

Sun Valley Landscaping detail crew leader, Mitch Decker, right, helped dig holes to plant 12 new conifer and fruit trees at Victory Garden in Omaha, Neb.

Crew Leader Jerrod Combs, middle, guided volunteers in building the seating area which encircles the fire pit, allowing veterans to relax and enjoy the new outdoor garden. In accordance with "Make a Difference Day," the firm partnered with several local groups to donate installation services in conjunction with GreenCare for Troops. Photos: Sun Valley Landscaping

The team at Sun Valley Landscaping believes strongly in the foundation of giving back to the Omaha, Neb., community that has given us so much over 20 years of business. Community service is part of the firm's DNA, a promise made to each other and to the world.

One of the ways the company gave back to the community was through the support of our veterans. In accordance with "Make a Difference Day," Sun Valley partnered with The Big Green Garden, America First Property Management, Serve Nebraska, Lutheran Family Services of Nebraska, AmeriCorps Nebraska, and The Home Depot Foundation to build a better environment through the Victory Garden Improvement Project.

Victory Apartments is a housing community for military veterans who have faced homelessness. The results from this project now encourages residents to be involved in gardening, and support the growth of foods that will decrease their grocery bills. Furthermore, the project's enhancements are providing a more functional and entertaining space for tenants to work and relax.

The most complicated challenge while completing the construction of the groundwork was the struggle to dig holes into what used to be an empty lot. Our team ran into old foundation, bricks, rocks and concrete underneath the top layer of grass.

Our firm donated two pieces of equipment: a skid loader and a concrete mixer to help the completion of phase one. In addition to the skilled labor, it also donated soil and mulch from the supply yard. CEO Paul Fraynd created the blueprint to outline the design of the project.

The development was completed in two phases and it wouldn't have been conceivable without a $2,000 grant from The Home Depot Foundation, the donation of two ornamental crab trees from Indian Creek Nursery and six fruit trees from Mulhall's Nursery. In addition, 27 volunteers contributed their time and skill sets to complete this project; seven of them being employees of Sun Valley.

A total of 10 hours of service was donated through the progression of two phases on October 25, 2014 and May 30, 2015. The new landscaped garden area added to the complex includes a fire pit with an enclosed seating area, 12 fruit and conifer trees, a grape vine with 12 stained posts and a mulched garden area to grow grape plants and vegetables.