In the past two years, Goodwill Life Skills Development and Day Services have taken over the responsibility of a large garden at the Center for Work and Training campus in Greendale. Last year the theme of the garden was Alice in Wonderland. Included in the garden was an array of perennials that consisted of hostas, lilies, roses, hydrangeas, lilacs, an evergreen tree and decorative grasses. Also planted last year, was a “healing” herbs section that included five different varieties of mint, lemon grass, bee balm, rosemary and lots and lots of lavender. The Alice in Wonderland theme garden was polished off with ornamental items such as tea pots, the Cheshire cat, the Queen of Hearts and her guards, and about twenty teacups that had flowers and grasses planted in them. The tea party was complete.
This year the theme of the “Inspired by People” garden was The Wizard of Oz. With the perennial plants and flowers in place and thriving from last year, Life Skills Development and Day Services were able to add even more unique touches to the garden. The focal point of the entrance was Dorothy’s tornado-blown house and the Wicked Witch of the West and her ruby slippers poking out. Four foot wood cut-outs of the lion, scarecrow, tin 
man, and flying monkey adorned the garden. Forty terra cotta containers of annual flowers decorated the garden, along with a variety of vegetable plants in the center. The “Power of the Whole” was exemplified when the facilities team painted the walkway around the garden yellow. The yellow brick road would have not come to life without their hard work.
To celebrate another amazing garden, both programs hosted a garden opening celebration on July 19. The celebration included refreshments and light snacks. A special thank you goes out to all of the staff and participants who assisted in making The Wizard of Oz amazing, and demonstrating how “Results Matter.” And we want to recognize Recreation Assistants Liz S. for making the wood cutouts, Angela M. for making the witch’s legs and ruby slippers, and Kelly W. who has been working tirelessly to maintain this garden, even in the 90-degree weather!
