Marsh Foundation sets annual plant sale

VW independent/submitted information

The Marsh Foundation ‘Marsh Grown’ garden program will be holding its annual spring plant sale from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, May 7, in The Marsh Foundation greenhouse.

A variety of hanging baskets and other plants will be available, with proceeds going to the campus youth gardening program. The historic Marsh Homestead will also be open for public tours the day of the sale.

The Marsh Grown youth garden program is dedicated to helping young people develop a sense of land stewardship and learn the importance of healthy food. Participants are taught valuable gardening skills throughout the season.

In addition, the program serves as a catalyst for youths to develop important job skills for future employment. Throughout the summer, the garden crew grows vegetables and sells them at the local farmer’s market for income.

Participants in the Marsh Grown garden crew are youths who are a part of The Marsh Foundation’s Independent Living Group. They are all 15½ years of age or older and are working on skills that will help them be successful adults.

The garden program is an opportunity for them to interact with peers and adults, develop quality job skills and learn how to grow healthy food.

The Marsh Foundation is a not-for-profit children’s services agency that provides behavioral treatment in a variety of settings. Services include group homes, family foster care, an intensive treatment program and independent living. Located in Van Wert, the organization’s group homes are licensed for a total of 36 children ages 7-17, offers an on-campus school for grades 2-12 and provides a variety of clinical services to group home residents, foster care children and community members.