About FNGLA

In these tough financial times for our nursery industry it is so easy to focus on "self" instead of our communities. Florida Nursery Growers Landscape Association (FNGLA) Highlands Heartland Chapter has remembered it is all about the community. We are all in this recession together, so let us help each other when we can.

The Highlands Heartland Chapter has done just that; Scott Kirouac, President of the chapter, saw a real need that was in his area of expertise - horticulture. Scott met John and Eileen Sala, director and founder of Little Lambs, Inc. ministry in Sebring, Florida. They have dedicated their lives to this prison and teaching ministry for adults with addiction problems. With the dream to extend this program, the Sala's recently acquired a home they call Grace Place.

It has been renovated with a layout to house up to eight women coming out of prison or rehabilitation, and guides them back on their feet by creating jobs/tasks on the property. "Part of the ministry and responsibility of the residents of Grace Place is learning how to maintain the landscape, interiorscape, and vegetable garden", says John Sala. Scott Kirouac made a few phone calls and before you knew it members of the chapter involved themselves with landscaping the Sala's Grace Place. The Highlands Heartland chapter donated time and money to the project. Before you could blink an eye, Bobby Heffner owner of Robbins' Nursery and FNGLA member sized the place up and created a sanctuary for these women to sit in the garden and read, talk, or just relax.

Other FNGLA members contributed to the project were: Hillary Peat donated soil; 7L Brands donated the mulch; Waste Transport donated a roll-off dumpster; Jimmy Somers, Vice president of Somers Irrigation and treasurer of FNGLA Highlands Heartland Chapter, donated $200.00 towards the irrigation system; Steve Kirouac owner of Big Sky Growers donated landscape plant material; and Delray Plants Co. donated interior and patio plants for the home. Part of the design included edible landscaping, and a veggie garden made out of raised beds. Bobbie Heffner's wife offered her services to the ladies of Grace Place by teaching them how to grow and maintain the vegetables.

Dianne Jacobson, Horticulture Agent/Master Gardener Coordinator of the Highlands County Extension Service and board member offered her expertise by teaching classes and working with the Grace Place ladies. After the completion of the project John Sala said "This is a dream come true. I could never have imagined this landscape. We are truly blessed,"

Now the house is open for ladies to begin their new journey. The point is together we can accomplish anything and the Highlands Heartland Chapter did just that.

What are the needs in your community?

Dianne Dilger Jacobson
Board Member
Highlands County Extension Faculty

The new State of Florida FFA President, Charlie Brown addresses the crowd of over 80 Highlands heartland Chapter members.

New FNGLA President Halsey Beshears swears in the new slate of Highlands Heartland Chapter Officers.

Highlands Heartland Chapter President Scott Kirouac presenting Chapter State Board Rep Holly Cameron with an award for service.