     Michaela’s Garden Project seedling locations After the tragic July 2007 home invasion and fire in Cheshire, CT, that took the lives of JENNIFER HAWKE-PETIT and her daughters, HAYLEY and MICHAELA, family members visited the home site to see if anything of value could be salvaged. Little was left. One exception was the many flowers and foliage plants that Bill and MICHAELA had planted and maintained over the years. One flower in particular was dear to MICHAELA—her Four O’Clocks. Because of that, the Four O’Clocks were dug up, brought to Plainville, CT and replanted. Michaela’s Garden Project is designed to encourage area families and youth to become more involved in community service. For the past three summers Michaela’s Four O’Clocks have been re-planted from harvested seeds. As a result, enough seeds have been collected to begin the Michaela’s Garden Project. The summer of 2010 was our first mass propagation effort. With the help of volunteer gardening enthusiasts, Cub Scout Pack 49 of Plainville, Cub Scout Pack 30 of Bristol and other area youth groups, we produced about 5,000 plants—all from Michaela’s original garden. The seeds from these plants were harvested, packed and are being sold in specially designed packs of 25 seeds as a fundraiser for the PETIT FAMILY FOUNDATION. About Four O’Clocks A favorite of MICHAELA’s, Four O’Clocks are sturdy, bushy plants with showy red, pink, yellow and white trumpet-shaped flowers. Some blooms are two-toned—usually yellow and white. Four O’Clocks got their name because they open their flowers in mid-afternoon (about 4 o’clock). The blooms remain open overnight, and close in early morning. They are also known for their strong, aromatic fragrance, Four O’Clocks are native to tropical areas of North and South America and are often called the “Marvel of Peru”. They are actually perennials that are grown in northern areas of the U.S. as annuals. The dark green, bushy plants make an excellent hedge or border. Because the flowers are open during the evening and nighttime, the plants are often planted in areas where they will be seen during the early evening and morning hours. Four O’Clocks are hardy plants, exhibiting good tolerances for dry conditions; however, plants will thrive if watered regularly, especially in dry weather. Where possible, plant in full sun and in well-composted soil. Add a general purpose fertilizer once a month to encourage vigorous growth. Bulbous roots may be dug up in the fall, cleaned and stored overwinter in the dark, in damp peat moss or sand. Share the Love You can help grow the project by planting and harvesting seeds. It’s easy to do. Each plant will set multiple blooms over a two to three month period. As each bloom emerges, matures, wilts and falls away, it will leave one seed—about the size of a peppercorn—which can be picked from the bract. Each plant will set dozens of seeds. During and after harvesting store seeds in a paper bag (not plastic) so that seeds can dry. Send us your harvested seeds and we will pack them for next year’s program. Every 25 seeds returned can mean $10 in additional support for the FOUNDATION. The FOUNDATION’S funds are given to help foster the education of young people, especially women in the sciences; to improve the lives of those affected by chronic illnesses; and to support efforts to protect and help those affected by violence. ARTS FROM THE HEART COFFEEHOUSEPLAINVILLE WINGS & WHEELSGOLF TOURNAMENTGE 5K ROAD RACERIDE FOR JUSTICESun, September 29, 2013 - info WOMEN IN SCIENCE MICHAELA’S GARDEN PROJECTELEGYHEADLINES
May 14 - Plainville Festival To Feature Airplanes And Antique Cars
May 6 - Connecticut Invention Convention convenes at UConn's Gampel Pavilion May 3 - Escape Alive provides free self-defense training for women, girls May 3 - Just in time for Mother's Day, Michaela's Garden plant sale begins May 2 - Michaela's Garden Project seedling locations May 1 - Celebrating Women in Science Initiative Launched April 30 - Connecticut center launches women in science program April 24 - Save The Date - May 31, 2013, Arts From The Heart Coffee House Fundraiser for PFF (4/24) April 20 - Parole Hearings: A Prisoner’s Gift; A Crime Victim’s Nightmare… April 14 - Health Academy Fair underscores success of New Britain program April 11 - Photos--New Britain High School Health & Wellness Promotion Fair April 10 - Petit Family Foundation to Fund Girls & STEM Expos April 9 - Photos--Three Angels Garden-Welcome Spring by Chris Gilleylen April 5 - Save The Date - June 2, 2013, Plainville Wings & Wheels April 2 - PFF Annual Golf Tournament Flyer April 1 - 2013 Petit Road Race Website is up! March 18 - Petit family member died unexpectedly on Friday Dennis Chapman featured on this video from Northeast Magazine on Michaela's Garden The latest photos & videos are here RECENT GRANTSKlingberg Family CentersSafe Haven of Greater Waterbury New England Air Museum Interval House New Britain Academy for Health Professions The Children's Museum and Connecticut Invention Convention Connecticut Science Center CT-ALIVE The Cove Center for Grieving Children CWEALF Discovery Center New Britain Youth Museum Women's Mentoring Network, Inc. YWCA Hartford Region 
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