FORT PIERCE — What began as a simple roadside plant stand has grown into a thriving community initiative that is helping make St. Lucie County a little greener — one free plant at a time.

Groundwork Farmstead’s Giving Garden celebrates its first anniversary on Sunday, July 19, marking a year of sharing plants with residents and nearing an exciting milestone of 1,000 plants distributed throughout the community.

The Giving Garden was created with a straightforward mission: make plants accessible to everyone while encouraging neighbors to grow landscapes that benefit both people and wildlife.

Community members are invited to take a plant and, when they are able, leave one for someone else to enjoy. The stand features a variety of native flowers, butterfly host plants, edible crops and medicinal species that help create healthier habitats for pollinators such as butterflies, bees and birds.

“It’s been amazing to watch our community embrace the idea,” said Whitney O’Neill, the founder of Groundwork Farmstead. “Every plant represents hope — hope for butterflies, bees, birds, healthier ecosystems, and people discovering the joy of gardening.”

Groundwork Farmstead is a local nonprofit organization dedicated to environmental education, conservation and compassionate care for the sanctuary animals that call the farm home.

In addition to maintaining the Giving Garden, the nonprofit hosts educational workshops, volunteer opportunities and community outreach events throughout the year, encouraging residents of all ages to connect with nature and become better environmental stewards.

To celebrate the Giving Garden’s first birthday, O’Neill will place 10 free plants in the stand each day through July 19 in hopes of surpassing the 1,000-plant milestone. The anniversary serves as a celebration of the project’s first year and an invitation for more residents to participate in creating pollinator-friendly landscapes across St. Lucie County.

Community members can follow Groundwork Farmstead on Facebook and Instagram for daily Giving Garden updates, educational gardening tips, and information about upcoming events and volunteer opportunities.

Groundwork Farmstead is at 3121 Old Edwards Rd., Fort Pierce.