A little rain didn’t dampen the spirits of a dedicated team of volunteers who recently spent a day in May planting gardens at The Arc of Essex County’s Bloomfield, Montclair, and Verona residences.

Longtime volunteers Al Ianacone, Susan Langner, and Frank Langner rolled up their sleeves and took advantage of the rainy weather, ideal conditions for helping new plants take root. Together, they filled the garden beds with a familiar mix of vegetables, herbs, and flowers, including tomatoes, cucumbers, basil, parsley, marigolds, and vinca.

The annual planting tradition helps create welcoming outdoor spaces that residents and staff can enjoy and help nurture throughout the season, while also providing fresh herbs and vegetables for home-cooked meals. As the gardens begin to grow, everyone is looking forward to a productive season and the colorful blooms and fresh harvests that lie ahead.

The Arc of Essex County extends its sincere thanks to Al, Susan, and Frank for their continued generosity and commitment to enhancing life at our residential homes.