As they have done for the past three years, Sheila Fox (left) and Alison Demarest (right) led recently a group of volunteers in planting and tending the gardens at Beth El Temple in West Hartford. And this year, says Fox, was the group’s most ambitious effort.

“This year we had about 37 perennial plants in front of the bima area, seven planters in front of the sanctuary, perennials on all four sides of the largest island opposite the synagogue entrance…” and more.

In addition to Beth El, Fox & Demarest and crew also did plantings at Chabad of Greater Hartford, Chabad Chevra of the University of Hartford, Jewish Family Service, and several other venues. Helping the two women in their efforts were Rabbi David Small of The Emanuel Synagogue, Lois Koteen, Ava Geetter, Gary Jones, Daniel Cohen, and Barbara Checknoff, as well as  Jose and Shawn from the Beth El maintenance staff. In addition, students from the Bess and Paul Sigel Hebrew Academy, the Hebrew High School of New England and Solomon Schechter Day School of Greater Hartford are also among the volunteer gardeners.

CAP: Beth El gardening co-chairs Sheila Fox (left) and Alison Demarest.