Lexington, KY

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2019

Project Category: Community Gardens

Description: Organizers with Seedleaf hoped to provide a more comfortable experience for the many older adults who maintain one of its free community gardens. To do this, Seedleaf provided ergonomic garden tools -- including shovels and trowels -- designed for people with arthritis to use. They also purchased portable, raised seats that gardeners can place alongside garden beds, as well as a foldable wagon to collect harvested vegetables and a shed to house the new tools. To provide a space for visitors to rest and socialize, the nonprofit worked with a local carpenter to build two sturdy, cedar benches.

Eufaula, AL

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023

Project Category: Community Gardens

Description: This project will create a community garden equipped with at least five raised beds for growing flowers and vegetables, as well as three accessible benches. All the food grown there will be provided to local low-income families.

Casselberry, FL

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021

Project Category: Community Gardens

Description: The Hindu Society of Central Florida is a vital center of the Hindu community. However, the temple's grounds needed a facelift. IDEAS for Us upgraded landscaping in the Society's courtyard, planting 250 native plants, as well as two magnolia trees. They also installed benches and an arbor to create a self-seeding, perennial garden that society members can use throughout the year. The project helped spur a thriving garden program and laid the groundwork for expansion to the space.