A Blossoming Community: The Transformation of Admiral Court Apartment Complex's Blitz Boxes

Spinach in the garden.

In 2022, the Admiral Court apartment complex received five Blitz boxes from New Leaf Foods, intended to provide residents with a means to grow their own food and engage with sustainable agriculture. However, the initial rollout faced challenges. According to NeighborWorks Neighborhood Programs Manager Julie Filapek, the timing of the installation and the inexperience of the residents led to the boxes not being fully utilized. The situation seemed bleak, but a remarkable transformation was on the horizon.

Enter Brian, a neighborhood resident with a passion for gardening. Recognizing the potential of the Blitz boxes, Brian decided to take the lead. He empowered the community to turn the unused boxes into thriving garden beds and, in doing so, created an atmosphere of wonder and education for the children of the complex. Brian shared, "It's been really great for the kids. We're really focusing on turning it into a kids' garden that not only benefits them but the entire community,” adding that the plan is to grow more food this year to be able to donate.

Garlic in the Blitz box.

The garden quickly became a community project. Last November, residents planted garlic in one of the beds, and now the stalks stand proudly. One resident, Ashley, started seeds at home to support the garden's growth. The community gathered to rake and prepare the beds for the summer, where they plan to have a garden session every other week. 

The impact on the children has been profound. Brian’s wife Nikki observed that kids are often asking when they can work in the garden, eagerly using pitchers to help water the plants. “Being born in the city, some of them don’t even know where tomatoes come from,” Nikki explained. 

Children eager to help.

Another resident, coincidentally named Ashley as well, goes on to describe how this hands-on experience has not only educated the children about where their food comes from but also redirected their energy towards something positive and beneficial for the community.

Through the dedication of residents like Brian, Nikka, both Ashleys, and NeighborWorks Neighborhood Manager Julie Filapek, theAdmiral  Court apartment complex has turned a missed opportunity into a flourishing community garden. The children now have a space to learn, grow, and contribute, fostering a sense of community pride and sustainability. This transformation is a testament to the power of collaboration and the impact of New Leaf Foods' Blitz boxes in bringing people together for a common good.

Removing potted plants with care.