FARMINGTON — The Garden Angel Committee met recently to begin planning for its 2016 growing season.

The goal of the Garden Angel program is to assist seniors, those physically disabled, and those on low/fixed incomes with enjoying the benefits of gardening and eating fresh vegetables in their own homes.

Volunteers are paired with recipients who love to garden and are no longer able to or would like to learn how to garden.

The committee is under the direction of Susan Gill, Franklin County Cooperative Extension Executive Board regional representative and president of the North Chesterville Extension Homemakers. Rounding out the committee are fellow Extension members, Franklin County Advisory Board members, Amy Palmer of the Clearwater Extension Homemakers and Advisory Board representative and Linda Gramlich, secretary for the North Chesterville Extension Homemakers and Advisory Board representative.

The success of this program is evidenced through the recipient questionnaire responses. The majority of recipients said they would not change a thing about the program. They were appreciative of the variety of seeds and plants and enjoyed watching their gardens grow. The best part, of course, was eating fresh vegetables and herbs. Another highlight was accessibility. Wooden legs to raise the boxes were provided for those that needed them, which meant no more bending down to water, weed or harvest food.

The program started with eight boxes and is now up to 24.

Application forms for this season will be available Friday, April 15, at the Franklin County Cooperative Extension Office, 138 Pleasant St. Completed forms are due by May 1. Every application will be reviewed and everyone will be called by May 15 and notified if they are a recipient or not.

FMI, volunteer: 207-778-4650.

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