Seeders and Weeders Garden Club creates floral deliveries for Meals on Wheels clients

Aspinwall Meals on Wheels clients received more with their deliveries recently than the typical meatloaf or lunchmeat sandwich.

Each of the 48 participants living in the Fox Chapel Area School District was gifted a vintage tea cup with a dainty succulent wedged inside.

“They truly appreciate it,” said longtime cook Susan Glendenning. “Honestly, it’s even a delight for the delivery people to see the surprise on the clients’ faces.”

The floral treats were created and donated by the Fox Chapel-based Seeders and Weeders Garden Club.

Succulents, hardy and long-lasting, were planted in soil, surrounded with Spanish moss and tucked into porcelain
cups acquired from the annual Fox Chapel Presbyterian Church Harvest Fair.

The club has been providing fresh flower arrangements for Meals on Wheels clients a few times a year for the past three years, garden club president Tara Balonick said.

Fresh arrangements, amaryllis and paper whites have gone out near Thanksgiving and Christmas, she said.

“The individuals who receive the flowers are so very appreciative for the extra added beauty to their delivery,” Balonick said. “It is especially nice during the winter months and during a time when so many have been unable to see or meet with their families and friends.”

Succulents were a good choice for delivery because they require minimal care, members said.

Club member Mary Grenen has volunteered her time as a food delivery driver for many years. She spearheaded the project as a way to brighten the day for people who are often alone and isolated, Grenen said.

“The garden club members were looking for something to do directly for the immediate community,” Grenen said.

“The recipients do really love it,” she said.

Next up will be colorful spring arrangements for Easter.

Seeders and Weeders was established in 1934. Members plant flowers and trees, and maintain parklets, at Allegheny RiverTrail Park, Sharpsburg Community Library, Hardie Valley Park, Canterbury Place in Lawrenceville and the Squirrel Hill Post Office.

Founded in 1975, Aspinwall Meals on Wheels provides meal delivery five days a week to senior citizens or people who otherwise need the extra help.

The program has doled out 400,000 meals since it first began.