Photo left: The Founders Garden in May with MG volunteers Casey Farley, Celeste Bernardino, Elizabeth Miniutti, Christine Murphy and Juliet Smith

The Maher Garden Center in Middletown is set to host a soil testing event on Aug. 10, offering the public a chance to witness the transformation of its Founder’s Garden into a thriving pollinator haven.

From 10 a.m. to noon, visitors can have their soil tested and explore the revitalized garden space, which has undergone a remarkable metamorphosis thanks to the efforts of U.R.I. Master Gardeners, Maher Center clients, volunteers, and employees.

The event not only showcases the garden’s transformation but also highlights the Maher Center’s commitment to environmental stewardship and community engagement.

Master Gardeners have played a crucial role in the restoration process, lending their expertise to create a sustainable and ecologically beneficial space.

Visitors to the Aug. 10 event will have the opportunity to learn about the various plant species chosen to attract pollinators and the sustainable gardening practices implemented in the space.

The Maher Center, known for its work supporting individuals with developmental disabilities, has integrated its clients into the garden restoration project, providing them with valuable horticultural experience and a sense of community involvement.

In addition to showcasing the Founder’s Garden, the event will provide information about other volunteer opportunities associated with the Maher Center.

Attendees can learn about ongoing projects at the iconic 40 Steps on Newport’s Cliff Walk and the Newport Flower Show, both of which offer unique ways for community members to get involved and make a difference.

For those unable to attend the Aug. 10 event, the Maher Center encourages reaching out to learn about future opportunities to visit the garden or get involved in their various projects.

For more information about the soil testing event or volunteer opportunities, interested individuals can contact Troy Reininger at 401-846-7911 or treininger@mahercenter.org, or reach out to Casey Farley at caseyfar@gmail.com.

Ryan Belmore is the owner and publisher of What's Up Newp. He took over the publication in 2012 and has grown it into a three-time Rhode Island Monthly Best Local News Blog (2018, 2019, 2020). He was named LION Publishers Member of the Year in 2020 and received the Dominique Award from the Arts & Cultural Society of Newport County the same year. He has been awarded grants for investigative and community journalism, and continues to coach and mentor new local news publications nationwide. Ryan...

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