People Inc.’s Day Services throughout Western New York offer a place for people with developmental disabilities to grow and learn while gaining independence. And one unique program takes “growth” to a whole new level with a hands-on approach to education in a working greenhouse, where plants, trees, fruits and vegetables are the center of attention. The Brighton Park Day Services program and greenhouse sits adjacent to a park and neighborhood in Tonawanda.

Each day the greenhouse is buzzing with activity – planting seeds, weeding, and watering. The array of tropical house plants, succulents, vegetables and more are tended to by 17 regular gardeners each week. They also take care of several raised garden beds outside. People who may wish not to go into the greenhouse often actively contribute by planting seeds in their classrooms to be transferred into it.

The greenhouse, originally established in the late 1980s with a grant from the Blue Rose Foundation, is also a therapeutic experience for many of the program attendees who find a spot to relax, taking in the fresh scents, sitting by the fishpond and enjoying the beautiful greenery and colors. Several people will venture into the greenhouse when they feel an urgent need for the calming benefits of being in nature.

Recently a team of planters were busy in the greenhouse with Patricia Coggins, People Inc. Senior Day Supervisor. She encourages choices on the types of vegetable seeds, discussing colors, uses and tastes, while expertly breaking down the process of planting and providing accessible tools.

Johnsie Quick appreciates accessing the greenhouse using her wheelchair. She looks forward to watering the plants and watching the vegetables grow so they can be put outside – especially the green beans.

Through generous assistance provided by the Lutheran Association for the Developmentally Disabled the motors in the greenhouse fans were overhauled and a larger plot of accessible raised garden beds are being installed.

Checking on some of the plantings, including those in the new raised beds, Coggins used the opportunity to have the gardeners work on identifying the different type of plants and their uses. She was beaming as they correctly named the vegetables and talked about how they liked to eat them. “It’s all about watching the growth of the people we support – that’s why we put so much energy into this program,” Coggins said. “They learn new skills and we see their self-esteem blossom along with the plants.”

Jessica Tolbert enjoys watering and weeding the plants almost every day, and her favorites are the differently colored flowers. She is looking forward to being able to plant all summer in the raised beds.

People with disabilities who reside in the agency’s group homes often come to enjoy the greenhouse and gardens. There are plans to increase the integration of the community even more through partnerships and immersive activities such as horticulture education, relaxation, art viewing and sensory gardens.