DEFUNIAK SPRINGS — Walton County Jail detention deputies brought their gardening skills to the community last week.
Deputies built a full garden with residents of Stanley House. The garden will serve as a food source for the residents who have requested fresh fruits and vegetables in the past.
Jolinda Eddins, executive director for the assisted living community, was excited about the opportunity to have a garden for residents.
“The deputies started it. They got to talking and they thought, ‘Let’s get out in the community and put these gardens in,’ ” Eddins said.
Due to the heat, only a few residents helped the deputies, but Eddins said the rest of the residents watched from the sidewalk and shared stories with each other of when they grew up and had to grow their own food.
Eddins said that anything that can be done to help their cognitive ability is a good thing.
“This garden has been a big part of that. When they go back there, they really feel at home.”
Deputies who work at the jail and have experience with gardening through the jail’s farm program, planted a variety of items with the residents.
The garden contains 25 sunflowers, 50 tomato plants, zucchini, squash, corn, okra and watermelon. It will be maintained by the residents, volunteers from master gardeners, deputies and facility staff members.
Home Depot, Lowe’s, Tractor Supply and Walmart donated supplies for the effort.
