Photos by Darlene DeRose
Discovery House is a Contra Costa County-run facility in Martinez that houses and supports men in treatment for substance use disorder. And it’s home to one of the first Contra Costa County UC Master Gardener community gardens!
When Discovery House began, Darlene DeRose was the project lead for Community Gardens. The Community Gardens Project Team that shared garden facilities would either seek UC Master Gardener support as teachers (giving support talks similar to library talks) or as advisors on best growing practices and diagnosing problems. The original team, Judy Bastin, Darlene DeRose and Molly Weden, decided to do both – teach and advise.
Both Darlene, an eco-based therapist (nature-based therapy), and Molly, a Landscape Designer, have volunteered at the 225–square–foot garden, full of vegetables and ornamentals, since 2016. They teach two–hour–long lessons per week (on average, 12 residents attend) and advise the residents who are collectively gardening. Because the residents stay on site for an average of 30–60 days, there is regular turnover. Attendance is part of their recovery program— almost all residents attend a session. The turnover piece works well because Darlene and Molly have developed about 20 lesson plans that they rotate. Lessons are easily repeated.
The two trainers guide the residents through the “lesson plans” with much interrupting and excitement, evidence of strong engagement and a desire to learn. The lesson plans that they developed and use won 2nd place in the state–wide UC Master Gardener Excellence Award in 2018! Other counties have asked for our lesson plans! What a compliment.
The joy, gratitude and contributions by the residents are off the charts, per Darlene. The residents are hungry for information. She described the lessons as “always engaging!” Residents who complete six classes earn a Certificate of Participation. This has become a cherished accomplishment for many residents.
I visited Discovery House one cold Thursday morning in December. Darlene and Molly instructed the group on how to create a lovely gift of succulents arranged in a colorful pastel pot (for girlfriends, mothers, sisters). I asked an elderly gentleman who had been very quiet and seemed detached if he would like help arranging the 7 to 8 cuttings in the pot. He said yes! He created a beautiful arrangement of spiky succulents, mixed with rounded, colorful ones. He suddenly became chatty. Then Darlene awarded him a certificate for having attended six sessions. It was a beautiful moment to observe—his pride. I loved it and was so glad I went. Discovery House is doing great work!
If you would like to visit, the lessons are delivered on Thursday at 9:30 am and again at 10:30 am. You can sign up on the VMS calendar.
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