A splash of color greets prisoners and visitors to the west end of the San Quentin Lower Yard — a flower garden, tended by about two dozen inmates, guided by volunteers.
The Garden Project started with a specific mission that focused on the need for inner gardening, with an emphasis on personal growth through behavior modification, said program founder Beth Waitkus.
“The idea behind planting a garden and nurturing it has given me a better understanding of the importance of cultivating healthy relationships,” said Abdul Henderson, one of the H-Unit Garden Project participants.
Waitkus led a recent ceremony marking the 10th year of the gardening program, in which members were awarded certificates.
Outside gardening and green jobs training provide skills the participants can readily utilize when they reenter the job market, Waitkus commented. She noted the project has connections with agencies such as Planting Justice, a non-profit organization geared to providing part-time employment for participants as part of its reentry program.
“I didn’t know what I was going to do about a job when I got out, but this program has lifted a huge weight because I can now get some work doing something I’m familiar with,” Henderson said.