FARMINGTON — The Garden Angel Project Committee has begun meeting to begin the planning process for the 2014 program.

The project began in 2012 with the goal for a Franklin County community project to help physically disabled seniors or low/fixed income residents garden at their own home, apartment or nursing home.

The intention was to match volunteers with people who either love to garden or would like to learn how to garden. The recipient and volunteer “angel” would work out a plan to plant the garden in a box. Then the volunteer would check in and give advice or assistance throughout the growing season.

Under the direction of Susan Gill, Franklin County Cooperative Extension Executive Board regional representative and president of the North Chesterville Extension Homemakers, the idea came to life.

She enlisted the help of fellow Extension members, Linda Myhaver, Neighborhood Extension Homemakers; Linda Brown, vice president, North Chesterville Extension; and Franklin County Advisory Board member, Amy Palmer, Clearwater Extension Homemakers and Advisory Board secretary; and Linda Gramlich, secretary, North Chesterville Extension and Advisory Board representative.

Assistance was given by Franklin County Cooperative Extension professionals Dave Fuller and Judy Smith. Carol Ross, secretary at the Franklin County Extension Office, 138 Pleasant St., Suite 1, has also played a part.

The first year eight boxes were built by adult volunteers and 4-H members. Only five boxes were utilized that year, but with the positive responses, it was decided to increase the program the following year. The second year, eight more boxes were built.

This year, eight more boxes will be built, bringing the total to 24. Volunteers Bob Gramlich, Harvey Hayden and Dan Palmer have helped with the construction and distribution of the boxes each year. They also were instrumental in getting the soil acquired and distributed.

Application forms will be available in mid-April at the Extension Office and at local food pantries throughout Franklin County. For more information, contact Susan Gill at 778-6978. The Garden Angel Project is in partnership with the University of Maine Cooperative Extension.