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Our Residents

Green thumbs flourish at Jennie Lane Apartments, but plants are needed

Green thumbs flourish at Jennie Lane Apartments, but plants are needed

The gardeners at Jennie Lane Apartments are back at it.

Early in the morning and later as the sun reaches higher into the sky finds the united Springfield Housing Authority neighbors turning the soil, planting flowers and vegetables, and tending the green shoots at the small circular garden that brought beauty, food and an abundance of friendships last summer.

This year, they have been beset by a shortage of plants – last year’s generous donor of most of the flowers and vegetables is unable to help now – but still, they are preparing the soil, and optimistic that things will work out.

“We do need more vegetables, but we’re starting out with what we have,” explained Ana Fuentes, who was an active gardener last year and looks forward to another bountiful season. So far, rows of flowers and the center cluster of herbs have made a comeback, and some tomato plants were donated recently.

Jennie Lane Apartments gardeners Maria Valdez, Jessica Quinonez, Angel Delgado and Ana Fuentes.

Jennie Lane Apartments gardeners Maria Valdez, Jessica Quinonez, Angel Delgado and Ana Fuentes.

Fuentes loves the harvest, but still, has a soft spot for the beauty the garden brings all summer.

“I love the flowers the best, they’re my favorite part,” she said.

Jennie Lane Tenants’ Association President Jessica Quinonez said the idea for a garden came last year from several residents who had experience growing vegetables, and who saw potential for the small circular grassy area that serves as a turnaround spot for vehicles. It is at the west end of the development for elderly and disabled residents, where the community and laundry rooms are located.

For many years, it featured a patch of grass with a small tree at its center. Last year, it was converted to a lush plot that produced tomatoes, zucchini, eggplant, peppers, beans, peas, lettuce, strawberries and scallions, along with the flowers and herbs.

“It really brought us together in so many ways,” said Quinonez, who is also the resident member of the SHA Board of Commissioners. “We worked together, we ended up making a lot of new friendships, and even now, we’re closer as neighbors.”

Jennie Lane Tenants' Association President Jessica Quinonez and her mother, Maria Valdez, stand in front of the community garden with the wagon and stool they use.

Jennie Lane Tenants’ Association President Jessica Quinonez and her mother, Maria Valdez, stand in front of the community garden with the wagon and stool they use.

Key to the garden work is Quinonez’ mother, Maria Valdez, who was going through cancer treatments last year when she volunteered to help out. Most days, Valdez would either take a bus from her home in the Forest Park neighborhood, or her daughter would come get her, and she’d tend the growing plants.

This year, she is back, regaining her health, and using a stool residents found for her, and a newly refurbished red wagon that had been abandoned behind the development.

“I love the garden,” Valdez said. “Emotionally, it makes me feel better, at peace with myself. I’ve lost a lot with my illness, and just being here and watching the plants grow does something good for me on the inside.”

There are many who help out, including Angel Delgado, who helped till the soil and is ready to pitch in planting as well. But when it comes time to share the wealth, he’ll take a pass.

Jennie Lane Apartments resident Angel Delgado tills, plants and weeds, but says 'no thank you' to eating the vegetables.

Jennie Lane Apartments resident Angel Delgado tills, plants and weeds, but says ‘no thank you’ to eating the vegetables.

“I don’t eat vegetables,” he said with a laugh. “I love to plant, but I’ve never liked to eat them. I like to watch them grow.”

As the vegetables ripen, residents divide them up to share the wealth.

Anyone wishing to donate vegetable, flower or herb plants is welcome to drop them off at the garden on the western end of Jennie Lane Apartments.

3598 days ago / Our Residents
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