By: Susana Peñaranda and Yaredly Hernández Robles, Master Gardener Volunteers Class of ’22
Part 3: The Future – Next Steps for Ready, Set, Grow!
This past season has been one of growth and transformation for our Ready, Set, Grow! initiative. From exciting community collaborations to heartwarming success stories, we’re thrilled to share our journey with you.
Expanding Beyond City Limits
In addition to the work, we have done with the City of Miami Human Services Department and the significant impact Ready, Set, Grow! has had on the City of Miami’s three Child Learning Centers—our first activated gardens—we have expanded our reach countywide through our local nonprofit, Eco Axion Initiatives Inc. This organization is dedicated to building collaborative alliances to address social and environmental issues through integrative solutions that promote sustainability, environmental awareness, and public health.
We’ve expanded our efforts to support other populations through our community engagement and the experience gained from developing Ready, Set, Grow! As certified Master Gardeners, we provide valuable knowledge and assistance to diverse communities. Our ambition is to grow the Ready, Set, Grow! program even further, helping communities cultivate sustainability, mitigate hunger and obesity by increasing access to fresh foods, and foster environmental stewardship. The program’s great community reception has attracted interest from other organizations eager to implement it in their own neighborhoods.
Recent Collaborations
Leadership Miami Trailblaz3rs Group
Recently, we collaborated with the Leadership Miami cohort of 2024, the Miami Trailblaz3rs Group to create a new community garden at Verde Gardens, part of Camillus House Supportive Housing in Homestead. While working with this population is not new to us, the innovative aspect of this initiative lies in directly collaborating within their facilities to build gardens that will sustain and nourish the residents. Camillus House serves Miami-Dade County’s hungry, homeless, and underserved residents, equipping them with tools to create a better future.
Thanks to the Miami Leadership Cohort’s outstanding fundraising efforts and the establishment of key partnerships, the garden came to life with incredible support. Eight galvanized steel raised beds were built, along with the installation of sturdy posts and shade sails to protect the plants from the harsh summer sun. These efforts, combined with contributions from community partners, allowed us to collaborate and activate the gardens during the summer of 2024. Watch the recap here!
We are thrilled to continue engaging with organizations like Camillus House to further their mission and provide participants with the many benefits of being outdoors, learning about gardening, and growing their own food.
Seed Libraries and Verde Gardens Fall Activations
Thanks to the collaboration with Camillus House and the South Florida Progress Foundation we proudly installed seed libraries at Verde Gardens in Homestead. These libraries feature sweet basil and seasonal pollinator plants, encouraging families to embrace sustainable gardening at home.
By the fall of 2024, we organized two impactful gardening workshops and activations at Verde Gardens. The first activation took place in early November, with the incredible support of five UF Master Gardener Volunteers who helped guide participants through various activities. During this session, we assessed the garden’s progress, identified areas needing improvement, and demonstrated non-toxic pest management techniques, such as using a neem oil spray formula. We also taught participants, both young and old, about transplantation techniques for overcrowded plants. Towards the end of the workshop, garden champions from the Camillus House community selected seeds to plant, including spinach, bunching onions, and microgreens. The collaborative energy and hands-on learning made this activation a resounding success.
The second activation, held in mid-November, continued to build on the momentum of the first session. We believe that gardening is about more than just growing plants; it’s about cultivating community, learning, and connection. During this session, participants engaged in activities that showcased sustainable living practices. From treating pepper plants with neem oil to transplanting supermarket scraps like carrot tops, leek bottoms, and beet cuttings, families explored creative ways to grow fruits and veggies sustainably. Children also learned how to sow pollinator-friendly flowers to support local ecosystems, emphasizing the importance of biodiversity and environmental stewardship. Click here to see the recap!
During the fall activations, we also experienced the healing and meaningful connections that gardening brings to challenged populations. One particularly touching moment occurred during the first activation, when a single mother brought her two teenage sons to help reactivate the raised beds. Together, they enriched the soil and sowed seeds, demonstrating the power of family teamwork and the bonding that nature can inspire.
Another standout participant, a middle-aged female resident, fully immersed herself in the garden during the first activation. She spent the entire session with her hands in the soil, carefully separating and transplanting an overpopulation of basil across the garden beds. She later shared that she lives with PTSD and described the garden as her therapeutic escape—a place of healing and grounding. These stories highlight the emotional and physical benefits of gardening, from stress relief to a sense of peace and accomplishment.
The fall activations also marked the launch of The Happy Seeds Library, our first seed library established in an outdoor communal space. This resource allows garden visitors to sow new seeds directly in the garden or take them home to start their own. The seed library not only promotes sustainability but also ensures that fresh, homegrown produce is more accessible to the Verde Gardens community. Watch the Happy Seeds Library launch recap here!
Ms. Claudia’s Village Academy
Another meaningful collaboration this summer was with Ms. Claudia’s Village Academy during their summer camp. During “Garden Week” at Ms. Claudia’s Village Academy, the Ready, Set, Grow! Program was implemented to enrich the students’ hands-on gardening experience. The children, aged 4 to 12, were divided into two groups for the two-hour garden reactivation.
In Group #1, which included 4-year-olds, the children were introduced to basic gardening skills. They familiarized themselves with tools such as shovels and gloves, explored herbs through sensory activities, and practiced transplanting herbs into new vegetable beds. Additionally, they learned about the important role of bees in pollination, enhancing their ecological awareness.
← Students from Ms. Claudia’s Village Academy learning how to use cinnamon as a rooting agent to replant Vapor Rub plants.
Group #2, consisting of children aged 4 to 12, engaged in more advanced gardening activities. They participated in soil preparation, herb cultivation, and the planting of cucumbers and tomatoes. The older children explored innovative techniques, such as using cinnamon as a rooting hormone and practicing guerrilla gardening with seeds for zinnias, milkweed, and sunflowers. They also gained knowledge on how to incorporate herbs and vegetables into their diet, which helped enhance their understanding of nutrition and healthy eating habits. During the week, 36 plants were transplanted, including eight species of herbs, eight species of pollinators, and three types of vegetables. In a special activity during “Culinary Week,” the children harvested fresh basil and oregano to make pizza, applying their gardening skills in a practical and enjoyable way.
Students from Ms. Claudia’s Village Academy sprinkling native wildflowers, zinnias, → and sunflower seeds into their newly installed vegetable garden.
Garden Design Plan for Ms. Claudia’s Village Academy, Summer 2024. →
Miami Bridge through a collaboration with Soular Plant
Our latest collaboration has been with Miami Bridge through the nonprofit Soular Plant. Miami Bridge is a recognized community leader in empowering youth confidence and success by facilitating strong, healthy family relationships through informed, compassionate, efficient program delivery. The work with them has been transformational and rewarding, as many youth have discovered a passion for gardening. The workshops have been a combination of outdoor and indoor activities at one of their safe places, which is a designated National Safe Place. Miami Bridge serves as the axis point for all Miami-Dade County efforts in dealing with kids in crisis. They provide a full range of services, including in-shelter counseling, field trips, in-home counseling, and reunification with family.
←Mammoth Sunflower seeds sowed by program participants at Miami Bridge began to grow.
Workshop Activities
Our workshops at Miami Bridge have included:
- Introducing six participants aged 12-17 to sowing seeds such as zinnia, marigold, sunflowers, black beans, onions, sweet basil, and microgreens. Each cup was labeled with the participant’s name, plant species, and date.
- Transplanting six cucumber seedlings into garden beds and adding more soil.
- Identifying dead plants and discussing composting.
- Discussing appropriate drainage and proper watering techniques.
- Demonstrating seed harvesting using dried basil flowers, onions, and zinnias. Participants opened the buds and harvested the seeds themselves.
- Showing various cuttings, including Vicks plant succulents, sweet basil, Thai basil, dill, sage, ginger root, and rosemary. Participants dipped the cuttings in cinnamon, a natural rooting hormone, and planted them in the ground.
- Integrating arts within the garden with activities such as leaf impressions using air-dry clay and collage art to create a seed library.
We’re excited to share our ongoing conversations with Soular Plant, a non-profit organization dedicated to community education on hydroponics. While we don’t have any current joint projects, our recent experience using their hydroponically grown cucumber, lettuce, and tomato plants at Miami Bridge has sparked a keen interest in this innovative method. Our discussions with Soular Plant have been highly educational, raising questions about plant health, pH balance, and growth without soil. We’ve even explored aquaponics and various growing mediums, such as coconut fiber, and hope these productive exchanges will eventually lead to a collaborative project that benefits the community in the future.
Gardistry: Merging Gardening and Artistry
Inspired by our work with the teens at Miami Bridge, we developed a subprogram called Gardistry, blending gardening and artistry to create meaningful, creative experiences. This initiative emphasizes the intersection of nature and art, offering participants an opportunity to express themselves while fostering a deeper connection with the environment.
A Miami Bridge program participant upcycles garden sticks into plant labels. ↑
One of the standout activities involved creating leaf imprints with air-dry clay, where participants captured the intricate beauty of leaves, transforming them into unique keepsakes. Another crowd favorite was the garden-inspired fashion design project, where participants designed clothing for sketched models using leaves, flowers, and natural materials from the garden. This imaginative activity not only encouraged creativity but also provided a fun and engaging indoor alternative during the hot South Florida summer.
Gardistry, our new subprogram inspired by Miami Bridge teens, blends gardening and artistry through activities like → creating leaf imprints and designing dresses from garden leaves.
A Miami Bridge program participant uses clay and zinnia petals to craft a unique garden→ inspired ornament.
Program participants from Miami Bridge upcycled an old calendar to create their own seed library through collaged designs. →
We believe that gardening, like art, offers a canvas for expression and a path to healing. Through these collaborations and creative activities, we aim to inspire and educate, nurturing a new generation of environmental stewards and community leaders.
Our First Give Miami Day: A Celebration of Art and Connection
The last quarter of the year brought a significant milestone: our very first participation in Give Miami Day, powered by The Miami Foundation. As the largest nonprofit movement in Miami, this initiative supports over 1,000 organizations dedicated to various causes. For Eco Axion Initiatives, being part of Give Miami Day was a powerful affirmation of our mission and work with programs like Ready, Set, Grow!, The Happy Seeds Project, and Gardistry Activities.
To kick off the Early Giving Period on November 20th, we hosted a vibrant event titled “Art, Sip, and Give” at Nido “Refuge of Senses”, located in the new Midtown Art District. This evening of art and sustainability brought together individuals passionate about creating a greener, more inclusive future. We showcased our initiatives, shared heartfelt testimonials and stories, and invited attendees to participate in an interactive Gardistry activity.
Guests enjoyed sustainably crafted cocktails created by Cocktail Culture by Alejandro Dalmau, with the evening’s signature drink, the Happy Seeds cocktail, featuring chia seeds, chamomile tea, and strawberry—a perfect blend of sustainability and flavor.
The collaboration with Nido and their movement Art for All, which champions accessibility to art regardless of race, gender, age, or nationality, was a highlight of the evening. Located at 136 NW 37th Street, Miami, FL, Nido’s commitment to inclusivity aligns perfectly with our mission to integrate art and sustainability. Click here to see recap video. This partnership promises exciting future projects, and we look forward to sharing them with you next year.
Through Give Miami Day, we not only raised awareness and funds for our programs but also strengthened the bonds within our community, reinforcing the idea that sustainability and creativity can come together to inspire meaningful change.
Special Recognition for Ready, Set, Grow!
We are thrilled to announce that our Ready, Set, Grow! program has been honored with the 2024 Florida Volunteer Master Gardener Award of Excellence in the Demonstration Garden category. This prestigious award celebrates our efforts in garden planning, funding, maintenance, and education, as well as the dedication of our incredible Master Gardener Volunteers who have been instrumental in creating a vibrant and educational gardening experience.
Representing Miami-Dade County and receiving this recognition is an incredible honor, underscoring the impact of our work and the value it brings to the community. The award was presented at the Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden during the graduation ceremony of the 2024 Master Gardener class. The moment was both humbling and inspiring, as it reaffirmed our commitment to expanding our efforts and building alliances that bring gardening education and sustainability to more communities.
← Susana Peñaranda and Yaredly Hernández Robles present “Ready, Set, Grow!” and “The Happy Seeds Project” at Nido’s “Art, Sip, and Give” event on Give Miami Day, November 20, 2024.
This recognition not only validates our mission but also opens doors for further growth and awareness. We are excited about the possibilities this award unlocks, allowing us to reach broader demographics and inspire more individuals to connect with nature through gardening. We look forward to continuing this journey, creating meaningful impact, and fostering resilience and sustainability in our community.
← Susana Peñaranda and Yaredly Hernández Robles received the 2024 Florida Volunteer Master Gardener Award of Excellence in the Demonstration Garden category for “Ready, Set, Grow!”
Looking ahead: Growing Together with Ready, Set, Grow!
Our journey with Ready, Set, Grow! has revealed that gardening is far more than planting seeds—it’s a powerful tool for connection, education, and transformation. By increasing access to healthy nutrition through gardening, we aim to foster meaningful connections, educate generations, and improve mental health in our communities. What began as a program for children in the City of Miami Child Learning Centers has flourished into something much greater, proving that gardening can bring joy and learning to people of all ages—from kids to seniors.
This initiative has been deeply rewarding, not only for the communities we serve but also for us as Master Gardeners. Witnessing the small transformations inspired by Ready, Set, Grow! has reaffirmed our belief in the program’s potential to address some of the world’s most pressing challenges, such as hunger, environmental sustainability, and community well-being. A single seed can spark change, proving that hunger and poverty are solvable when communities are empowered with knowledge and resources.
Gardening teaches us patience, care, and the value of nurturing—qualities often overlooked in a fast-paced world. It’s a reminder to slow down, reconnect with nature, and focus on what truly matters. Ready, Set, Grow! is more than a gardening program; it’s a movement rooted in purpose and hope, inviting us all to rediscover life’s simple, profound rhythms.
For those who’d like to sponsor a Happy Seeds Library or a Community Garden Activation in Miami’s most vulnerable neighborhoods, visit our website at ecoaxion.org to learn more.
Stay tuned for the next series in our blog, where we’ll continue journaling the inspiring journey of Ready, Set, Grow! Together, let’s plant the seeds of a better future.
Happy Planting!
-Susana and Yaredly
If you’re interested in getting involved with Ready, Set, Grow!, reach out to us at readysetgrowinitiative@gmail.com.
Follow us on Instagram: @readysetgrowinitiative and @thehappyseedsproject @ecoaxion_initiaitves