Happy 2026 from the Vocational Garden! We are leaving behind a wonderful year of planting, feeding, and growing both our produce and vocational skills. We have so much to be grateful for, especially Libby, who has been our incredible Horticulture Manager for the past three years! She has gracefully guided our trainees in their efforts to transform our garden into the beautiful and productive system it is today. This year, Libby is following another opportunity, which sadly means that her time at the Center for Living and Learning is coming to an end. We are so excited for her, and we celebrate her in this next chapter of life! We know she will continue to cultivate joy and care wherever she goes, but we will surely miss her.
The way of the garden is to be in constant change, and this change means we have a new face to introduce! Our new Horticulture Manager Juno is so excited to continue Libby’s hard work and deliver high quality, nutritious food to our neighbors here in Franklin. She knows she has big boots to fill, and she is getting our trainees and greenhouse ready for what is sure to be another great season here at the Center. In fact, our CSA signups are open now! Check out the CSA page on our website to find out how to sign up. If you sign up before February 28th you can get a 10% off early bird discount!
In more exciting news, we have received a grant from the Herb Society of Nashville to help us build more raised garden beds! We are so excited to be able to offer gardening opportunities to our trainees that are more accessible for folks with physical limitations. The ergonomic design will help protect our backs and make sure we can conserve energy for the season ahead. Thank you to the HSN for supporting us in our mission to provide an environment in which all of our trainees can grow and thrive.
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The Center for Living and Learning is a private non-profit Residential Treatment Facility housing adults who experience severe and persistent mental illnesses. We provide 24-hour residential care and job training in a therapeutic environment with emphasis on the highest level of functioning and independent living. Learn more here.