A new group is connecting at the Senior Center in Manitowoc.

The group called Southeast Asian Seniors has been meeting to sprout an outdoor garden this summer.

The series is facilitated by Bilingual Nutrition Educator Krystina Yang from the UW extension with its StrongBodies program to promote staying active and healthy eating and is open to those who know Hmong or English. Yang explained on WCUB’s Breakfast Club why this group is so important for its members.

She said, “What we want to do is help them continue their independence, continue their yearning for knowledge and for knowing that they can do things on their own and not worry so much about ‘well I can’t do this, or I can’t do that and a lot of things are that language barrier’”.

The group has received support with a 2-year garden grant and has been able to install raised beds, making it easier to plant.

Members work on a schedule to keep the plants watered throughout the season.

So far, they have planted numerous fruits and vegetables including bitter melon, cilantro, lemongrass, long beans, and tomatoes.

They have also been able to put up two trellises, add cages for their tomato plants, and add a shed.

Yang adds the group would not be the same without the support from Sheboygan Safe Harbor, the Parks and Rec Department, the Manitowoc Senior Center, the Salvation Army, and Trinity Church.

She invites the community to visit the garden on the east side of the building located at 3330 Custer St.