Kids & Family

VIDEO: Sprigs & Twigs Donates New Plants For A New Start

The landscaping firm donated and installed low-maintenance, seasonal gardens for the Women's Center of Southeastern Connecticut.

 

Change is a way of life at the Phoenix House, a transitional residence for victims of domestic violence, but now thanks to residents are surrounded by role models that demonstrate the peaceful process of change in the natural world.

Sprigs & Twigs was honored by the Women's Center of Southeastern Connecticut for donating and installing all-seasons, low-maintenance gardens on the grounds near the administrative office and surrounding the transitional housing units.

"To have that healing and nurturing environment extend beyond the walls is wonderful," said Emma Palzere-Rae, the Director of Development at the Women's Center of Southeastern Connecticut.

Executive Director Catherine Zeiner said the gardens make the offices and the residence more welcoming and provide a bonding opportunity for families recovering from domestic violence.

"We are grateful," she said to Sprigs & Twigs owners Bill and Linda Lille in front of an audience of board members and supporters. "Thank you so much for this gift, it was a profound one."

Linda Lillie said she put a lot of thought into how clients might feel before entering the doors of the Women's Center for the first time and what might make it easier to take those steps.

"I wanted them to see butterflies and birds and bees and lots of color," she said. "I just wanted them to feel at home and welcomed."

Lillie said the new gardens are low-maintenance so they will survive without regular watering. And as the gardens mature, they'll require less weeding.

Initally, Sprigs & Twigs was called in to fix a brick walkway that was becoming warped as the ground beneath it shifted over the years. The brick path is a key component because it leads to the administrative offices and where counselors meet with clients.

The walkway is made of bricks donated by supporters about 10 years ago. The bricks are engraved with names of people who support the Women's Center or words of encouragement for those seeking the Center's services.

Among many things Sprigs & Twigs stabilized and leveled the ground beneath the walkway and reinstalled the original bricks. They tore out the existing plants, which everyone agreed were overgrown and ugly, and they trimmed back the trees and shrubs. Bill Lillie said the project took about a week to complete and was done completely on donation.

"It looks wonderful, it looks freshened up and everything is blooming and alive," said one supporter with a brick in the walkway. "It looks welcoming and inviting, and that's an important aspect for clients."

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