Our Story
In 2012, the Armed Forces Pavilion & Community Garden was nothing more than a dream and a dirt lot.
Meet Donna Arz, PhD, the visionary behind the garden. She is the Founder of The Forgotten Soldier Program (FSP), a nonprofit organization that offers free services for veterans and first responders in our community.
Donna had a dream to honor the individuals that serve our country and community. Through the collaborative effort of numerous veterans and volunteers from the FSP program, that dream is now a reality!
Meet Teresa Axton, our Head Garden Manager. She started volunteering back in 2019 and she has been keeping the garden looking pristine ever since. You may see her doing her normal tasks of planting, designing, pruning , and deadheading.
Teresa’s green thumb and passion for gardening contribute to the thriving garden that you see today.
The garden features a variety of historical and symbolic tributes. One of these is the Carter Family Rose Garden. Comprising of two designated raised beds of roses, and several roses bushes throughout.
The spiritual meaning of roses symbolizes unconditional love in people’s lives. These elegant flowers regularly show up in miracles and encounters with angels.
The pavilion and garden are 100% supported by donations used to purchase plants, supplies, and to keep the garden beautiful.
Click below to learn about how you can help today!
