Linda Angle has been on staff since 2011 and assumed the role of farm manager for Boys Home of Virginia in 2021. She initiated a community garden in April 2022. Photos by Laura Robertson
“[We] want the garden and the surrounding area to be a place where staff and students gather to share a meal, sit and talk and have a moment of serenity.”
By Laura Robertson
Boys Home of Virginia is situated on 1,400 acres of land in Covington, Virginia. The property features rolling mountains and a beautiful creek, creating a haven for all who visit or call it home. This non-profit organization originated in 1906, serving at-risk male youth. The mission is simple: help each student become a productive and successful member of society. Upon arrival, each young man is welcomed into a mission-driven, nurturing community of staff and students.
Linda Angle has been on staff since 2011 and assumed the role of farm manager in 2021. She initiated a community garden in April 2022. She wanted to actively involve students from the concept of the gardening project to the execution. Students assisted with measuring and building plant beds, selecting which vegetables to grow, planting the vegetables and now maintaining the plants. The project incorporated several lessons for the students, beginning with the elements it takes to build and maintain a successful garden. In addition, Linda wanted to teach the students the importance of sustainability. The students are growing onions, carrots, tomatoes, green beans, potatoes, squash, zucchini, and bell peppers. Many of the vegetables grown will be used by the dining hall staff to prepare meals for the students and staff. Linda stated, “It is incredible to watch the students’ excitement as they see their hard work grow. They take pride in their effort and the results.”
Linda would eventually like to take a group of students to the farmer’s market with the garden’s vegetables. Linda stated, “It would be a valuable lesson for the students to see the process of growing and selling produce.” Her last objective expresses her compassion for the Boys Home community. “I want the garden and the surrounding area to be a place where staff and students gather to share a meal, sit and talk and have a moment of serenity. It is about so much more than just a garden. I am planting seeds for a lifetime.”
To learn more about Boys Home of Virginia, follow us on Facebook and Instagram. To make an online donation, please use this link. For a donation via a check, send a check to Boys Home of Virginia, 414 Boys Home Road, Covington, VA 24426.
