Heroic Gardens, a Veteran outreach program based in the Elkins Park section of Cheltenham Township, has a forthcoming farm in the Holmesburg section of Philadelphia.
Dubbed the Sunflower Fields at Pennypack, the workforce development initiative complements the nonprofit’s three core programs, all of which are free to Veterans and their families.
“We were founded around the concept of horticulture therapy. It’s scientifically proven that working with plants can increase self-esteem, cognitive function, bone strength, wound healing, and lessens the effects of PTSD, including anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts,” Collie Turner, a Springfield Township native and the non-profit’s executive director, said.
The farm is expected to be planted by July and will be the first of its kind in the area.
Phase 1 was completed in 2024
“Philadelphia’s never had anything like that before, so it’s pretty special. We want to teach the neighborhood about growing their own food,” Turner said. “The site where the farm will be located has been a blank canvas for years. We’re working with the USDA to improve the soil and reinvigorate the area. It’s a lot.”
Turner is also a therapeutic horticultural practitioner. She founded Heroic Gardens seven years ago as a tribute to her grandfather.
“My dad was in the Navy and my grandfather was a medic in World War II. He had a huge vegetable garden to give back to the community,” Turner said. “It took me a long time to realize what he was using that garden for. He was trying to heal and get through what he had witnessed in France.”
“Veterans have written to me that they didn’t kill themselves because of this program. Just getting their hands in the soil and touching the earth. That’s how they are getting out of their own heads and finding peace.” she said.
In 2024, Heroic Gardens had over 315 volunteers working over 125 classes for Veterans and their families. Turner, who has also lived in Rydal (Abington Township), launched her first land transformation in Roslyn during the pandemic.
“We see a social connectivity between groups of Veterans learning to utilize plants as a personal healing outlet,” Turner said. “We’re trying to help Veterans change the neighborhoods they live in while they heal themselves. When neighbors find out that a Veteran lives in their neighborhood, it generates a conversation and forms new friendships. It’s one of the many ways we generate awareness about the folks that served our country and help people never forget their sacrifice.”
For more on Heroic Gardens, you can visit their Facebook page and website. We will be in touch with updates.
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Photos: Heroic Gardens