Mission
Gardening Together brings experienced Lake County gardeners and new Habitat for Humanity Homeowners together to plan, prepare and develop and improve household gardens.  Experienced gardeners respectfully mentor homeowners as they solve landscape-related problems all new homeowners face.  
Gardening Together continues Habitat’s philosophy in offering a “hand up, not a hand out.”

Process
Habitat families and Gardening Together mentors and friends meet at Habitat for orientation. Mentors later meet with families in their yards to plan.  Mentors and friends solicit and gather needed tools and plant material.   During Spring and Fall workdays, families, mentors, friends and volunteers work together to prepare soil, plant and transform yards.

Roles in Gardening Together

Mentors: Provide teaching and advice to families over time
Mentors are experienced gardeners who share their joy in gardening.  Some are Master Gardeners with years of experience, others are members of local garden clubs and many are people who enjoy creating and working in gardens at their homes.  Special training is not required.

The mentors have a unique role where their respect for the homeowner, his/her preferences and decisions is as significant as the garden itself.  

Friends: Provide resources to support the program  
Individuals, businesses and organizations are welcome as friends.  Garden Clubs solicit and gather donated plants and gently used tools.  Businesses donate plants or give a "best possible price."  One business supplies compost annually.  Some donate money to make purchases.  

The tools and plants we accept as donations must be in excellent condition.  An old digging spade can still be most serviceable.  Old, pot-bound, leggy annuals or dried out perennials are not acceptable.  

Volunteers: One day support on work days
Supportive individuals with an appreciation of the Gardening Together mission are assist with special events and work days.  A group may volunteer together or single individuals are welcome.  Volunteers assist with the yard preparation, planting, cleaning.  Others may assist in involving the children of the families.  Others provide muffins and beverages or a lunch for volunteers.