Northeast Philly Sunflower Garden Offers Therapy to Community

A large sunflower garden in Northeast Philadelphia is bringing members of the community together to experience hope and healing.

The former vacant lot on Megargee Street in the Holmesburg neighborhood has been revitalized as a green oasis in the city thanks to the work of Heroic Gardens. The nonprofit connects veterans with horticulture as a form of mental health care.

CBS News Philadelphia spoke with U.S. Army veteran Mike Peterman, who, along with several veterans, formed a  larger group of volunteers who worked on the sunflower garden project.

The one-acre space now contains several rows of sunflowers, adorned with American flags and messages of hope, along with vegetable beds that feature fresh produce. On Sunday, July 6, the garden opened to the public for the first time, welcoming veterans and members of the community to explore the new green space.

Garden visitors were invited to take home vegetables and get involved in flower-themed art activities. Others, like Navy veteran and volunteer Daniel Fann, talked about the work involved to bring the garden into existence.

"This gives back to veterans that mental aspect, that 'Hey, I don't need a pill. I can come here and just do the work and feel good about the work that I've done,'" he said to CBS News Philadelphia. Fann volunteered his time to construct the picnic tables that give guests a place to gather next to the garden. 

Residents of the Holmesburg neighborhood said the sunflower garden is also a soothing boost to the community. "I think this brings a lot to the neighborhood — peace and joy," said Suzanne Wacker.

The garden, at 4403 Megargee St., will be open to the public for a suggested donation every other weekend through the end of October. It is open on weekends from 9am-3pm and during the week by appointment. 

Read more about the project on the Heroic Gardens website.