We love our volunteers: Fannie Mae volunteers from Sept. 23 after a highly productive morning's work

What can a team of 24 dedicated volunteers accomplish in three hours? Miracles, it seems, judging by the landscaping project completed at Marigold Place on Sept. 23. In three short hours, a team of Fannie Mae volunteers helped transform parched earth and a pile of dirt into a great outdoor space for the residents of Marigold Place. They also reclaimed sections of the yard that had become overgrown with weeds and grass and replaced some plants that were damaged by the summer’s intense heat.

Before: A pile of dirt from the new retaining wall graced the yard

After: A pecan tree, shrubs, dwarf crepe myrtles, and blackberry bushes are putting down roots

“We’re amazed at the transformation of Marigold Place’s entire yard. It’s never looked better. Fannie Mae volunteers helped create a beautiful space,” remarked Steve Seuser, Executive Director. “I’m also really excited about all the great edible plants in the yard. We added a pecan tree and two blackberry bushes today to the existing two fig trees, apple tree, and peach tree.”

To complete the yard and encourage residents to spend time there, a picnic table, a garden bench, stepping stones, and a small grassy area will be added in the near future. Marigold Place has a small team of people tending to the garden on a regular basis, including Justin Graves, Isaias Nunez, and a resident.

A bed of perennials and an ornamental pine are featured near the building entrance

Bearing fruit: Previous groups of volunteers from several organizations have helped landscape other areas of the yard, which are now mature