Why We Rescue Materials at Sempervirens Gardening: Nurturing Plants, Preserving Resources, and Giving Back
- Fabiola Mendez
- Sep 5
- 5 min read
Sempervirens Gardening | Posted on September 5th, 2025
We believe that every plant, stone, brick, or piece of material has some value, even if it’s no longer wanted or has been discarded. Our approach to gardening is not only about cultivating beautiful spaces but also about being mindful stewards of our environment. Whether it's a plant that needs a little TLC or a pile of bricks that could find new life, we see potential everywhere. Here’s why we rescue materials and how it contributes to the greater good of our community and the planet:
1. We See Value in Every Material
Every gardener knows that the beauty of a garden is often in the details, those small, seemingly insignificant items that come together to create something bigger. This is why we rescue materials that others might overlook. From no longer wanted plants to leftover bricks, pavers, and stones, we see these materials not as waste but as resources with a second life waiting to be lived.
We’re passionate about reusing and repurposing items because it aligns with our values of sustainability, creativity, and resourcefulness. Instead of sending these materials to a landfill, we bring them back to life in ways that benefit the garden and the community. Whether it’s a plant that needs a little care or a brick that can be used to create a beautiful path, we find a purpose for everything.
2. Nurturing Plants Back to Health
One of the most rewarding aspects of what we do is rescuing plants that might otherwise be discarded. Whether it’s from a customer who no longer wants a plant or from another source, we love bringing plants back to health and giving them a new lease on life. Many plants that seem beyond saving just need a little attention, proper soil, the right amount of water, and the right growing conditions, and they can thrive once again.
We take pride in caring for these plants, ensuring that they grow strong and vibrant. Sometimes, it’s as simple as moving a plant to a better location, cutting back dead growth, or providing extra nutrients. Other times, it involves more intensive care, like re-potting, pruning, or treating diseases. Once the plants are healthy and thriving, we either donate them to non-profits, use them in our educational programs, or even pass them along to other gardeners who can give them a home.
We recently donated a variety of plants to our friends at Butler Valley, Inc. — from maple trees and dahlias to a colorful mix of succulents. We're confident these plants are in great hands and will continue to thrive under their care.
Butler Valley, Inc. hosts plant sales throughout the year to help support their incredible programs, with proceeds going directly to pay members of their community who are part of the program. We're proud to contribute to such meaningful work! 🌱🌼🌿
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3. Donating to Non-Profits and Community Spaces
A core part of our mission is giving back to our community. When we rescue plants or materials, our first instinct is to donate them to non-profit organizations or community gardens that can benefit from them. Many of these groups rely on donations to build and maintain green spaces, and we’re honored to contribute.
Donating rescued plants helps beautify parks, schools, shelters, and other public spaces. It also allows us to share the joy of gardening with those who may not have access to plants or materials. When we donate materials like bricks, pavers, plants, or stones, they can be used for practical purposes such as building raised garden beds, creating pathways, or stabilizing garden structures. These donations provide communities with the resources they need to create sustainable, thriving environments.
4. Using Rescued Materials as Educational Resources
We believe in the power of education. We frequently use rescued plants and materials as teaching tools for our helpers and customers. Whether we’re demonstrating how to revive a wilted plant or showing how a pile of old bricks can be turned into a beautiful garden feature, we love to share the knowledge we’ve gained over the years.
Our educational programs often involve hands-on demonstrations where helpers and customers learn about plant care, sustainable gardening practices, and how to use repurposed materials in creative ways. By showing how to make the most out of what we already have, we hope to inspire others to think about sustainability in their own gardening practices.
5. Replacing Materials on Properties
Occasionally, we come across properties where materials,whether it’s a brick that’s lost its luster or a stone that’s out of place, could use a little extra attention. When this happens, we’ll sometimes “rescue” these materials by replacing them with items we’ve salvaged. If a brick or paver has cracked, for example, we might take one from our collection of rescued materials and replace it, restoring the functionality and aesthetic of the property.
This practice ensures that we’re not only giving new life to unwanted materials but also ensuring that the gardens and landscapes we work on are both functional and beautiful. It’s a small gesture that makes a big impact, and it’s just one more way we practice sustainability in everything we do.
How We Acquire Rescued Materials
You may be wondering where all of these materials come from. Our sources are diverse and often unexpected:
Customer Requests: Many of our customers contact us when they have unwanted plants or materials on their property that they no longer need. Instead of discarding these items, they reach out to us to see if we can make use of them.
Donations: We’re fortunate to have a strong community of gardeners and individuals who donate used materials, everything from plants that need a new home to bricks and stones that have outlived their purpose.
Local Properties: As we work on various properties, we come across materials that might be perfect for another project or another property. We salvage those materials, clean them up, and find creative ways to reuse them in new spaces.
Garden Centers & Landscapers: Occasionally, we’re able to acquire plants that have been returned, are surplus, or have been donated by local garden centers and landscapers. These are often plants that need a little extra care to thrive, which we’re more than happy to provide.
Examples of Rescued Materials We Use
Plants: Overgrown shrubs, perennials that need dividing, or annuals that have outlasted their bloom season, all of these can be rescued and given a second chance.
Bricks and Pavers: These materials can be salvaged from old patios, walkways, or garden walls and reused in new projects.
Stones and Gravel: Whether it’s for paths, garden borders, or decorative features, stones are easily repurposed.
Wood: Reclaimed wood from old fences, firewood, or construction projects can be transformed into raised beds, trellises, or garden benches.
Containers: Old planters, pots, or even unique finds like discarded crates or barrels can be cleaned up and used for gardening.
Our commitment to sustainability goes beyond just plants. We believe in the power of rescuing materials, giving them new life and purpose. By reusing plants, bricks, stones, and more, we reduce waste, nurture new growth, and contribute to our local communities. Whether we’re donating to non-profits, providing educational resources, or simply replacing a brick in need, we’re passionate about finding value in the things others might discard.
If you have unwanted plants or materials lying around, we’re always happy to help rescue them and put them to good use. After all, gardening is about more than just the plants, it’s about nurturing life in all forms, and that includes the materials we use to create beautiful, sustainable spaces.
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