BOWLING GREEN, Ky. (WBKO) – A Kentucky Navy veteran has built a raised vegetable garden and greenhouse that is open around the clock and free of charge for veterans and first responders to plant, grow and gather.
Robyn Filley served in the U.S. Navy for three and a half years. She said the space is designed to give veterans and first responders a place to grow food, find peace and support one another.
‘Come as you are’
“I know what it’s like to fall through the cracks. And I didn’t want somebody to have to experience that,” Filley said. “And I thought that if I could provide a safe place for healing, because I know that gardening, that it can heal people. And if I could provide that for somebody without them having to ask for help, then I feel like I’m doing my part.”
She also said the garden is stocked and ready for anyone who needs it.
“I’ve got the water, I’ve got the seeds, I’ve got the dirt, I’ve got the garden,” she said. “Just come as you are anytime and heal yourself, decompress, feel safe,”
Produce to benefit Veterans Alliance Center
If the garden beds go unused, Filley said she plans to donate 95% of the harvest to the Veterans Alliance Center in Bowling Green, which provides free items to veterans in the LEAD area. She said the center primarily receives canned vegetable donations, making fresh produce a meaningful addition for veteran families.
“If nobody comes to garden, I’m still going to donate 95% of this to the Veterans Alliance Center in Bowling Green,” Filley said. “They provide free items to veterans and so, I’m still going to give back.”
She hopes the community will use the space.
“Don’t give up. Just don’t give up on life. Life can be ugly. It can be brutal. But get your hands dirty and heal because life is absolutely beautiful and it’s incredible,” she said. “By doing things like this, you get to witness how beautiful life is and I want others to experience it.”
Veterans and first responders can access the garden at 2425 Pondsville Rd. in Smiths Grove.
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