Carrollton Rotary Club hears about Grover Farms

The Carrollton Rotary Club welcomed Jill Grover Shifflett as guest speaker for its April 21 meeting at the Villa Restaurant.

Shifflett represented Flowers at Grover Farms, located at 504 Steubenville Road SE, Carrollton. She spoke to members about the business of growing and selling cut flowers, including custom floral arrangements, a Bloom Buggy self-serve stand and pick-your-own flowers.

She also promoted the annual Amateur Floral Design Competition, with junior and senior divisions, scheduled for Friday, June 5. An awards party, open to the public, will be held Saturday, June 6, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

A Carroll County Expo at the flower farm is also planned for Saturday, June 20, from 2-6 p.m. The event will feature Carroll County businesses of all sizes, live music by Ed Kilpatrick, food trucks, demonstrations and giveaways.

Shifflett then discussed the feature she said she is most passionate about: Ezra’s Garden Plan. The garden is intended to be embraced by the Grover family and the community as a sensory haven for children and adults, particularly those impacted by cognitive impairment or autism.

The garden will feature grounding elements designed to reduce light through shaded areas or places with less visual intensity; lower sound through quiet zones, tucked-away seating nooks with sound-buffering plants, and soft natural sounds such as fountains, a running stream and birds; provide tactile input through intentional plant textures such as lamb’s ear or soft grasses; and give exit options that feel safe and obvious.

A quarter-acre space has been dedicated for the garden, and the perimeter fence has been erected. Planned elements, for which sponsors are being sought, include benches, a free-standing porch swing, hummingbird feeders, a chalkboard wall, a wooden bridge and a water wall. Volunteers are also being sought to assist with construction of the planned features.

More information about the project may be obtained by visiting the farm or calling 330-260-5741.

Club members were reminded of the Loaves and Fishes food distribution community service opportunity next Monday.

The committee reviewing school scholarship applications was scheduled to meet following the meeting.