Eden Autism Services Florida held a Family Day to kick off the creation of its “Garden at Eden” on Saturday, October 17.

Attendees participated in planting the garden’s final fruit trees and enjoyed demonstrations on the proper planting of fruit trees and field design & irrigation by Captain John Puig, President of Collier County Fruit Growers Association.

The garden is being created as an urban farming project to provide older teen and adult Eden students with vocational skills. Participants will learn to plant, tend, cultivate and market produce from the garden to area restaurants and businesses.

“Several local businesses have already indicated an interest in partnering with us,” said Eden Florida Director Armando Galella. “We’re very excited about what the garden will offer to our students and community.” As the garden grows and becomes established, Galella hopes students will be able to concentrate on growing crops preselected by community partners.