plenum 2 - open water space under sand used for nitrate control. This space is often created by using an undergravel filter grid.

grunge 3 - Live sand that is grown in our system. This sand is teaming with the beneficial organisms needed to start a marine aquarium.

Snails 4 - we recommend using a mixture of vegetarian species Hermit crabs 5- Mexican red legged hermit crabs

unconnected genetic bank 6 - collection of species and color varieties that are not all maintained in same location. These species can be used for captive rock production. The collection is divided for safety.

The basis of this idea stemmed from my own feelings of hopelessness. Hopelessness in my life centered around the most difficult experience any parent has to face. I was found left with no one to talk to about how I was found feeling. I found out what true pain really is and how callous some people are. If it is not their situation, then it is not their concern. When I would try to reach out no one took the time to care. You could not see broken bones or stitches but, I was hurting so bad inside, that all I could do was pray to become numb. I wanted to die, for if I were dead I would not feel which meant I would not hurt. I had no trust in people, no faith in their words; left only to dwell on my situation, which in my eyes and in my heart was nothing but hopeless.

When researching the word hopeless I discovered words that described many of my emotions; one without hope, despairing, desperate, or discouraged. I personally had no solid ground to stand on. I truly didnąt know how to face another second, minute, hour, let alone an entire day. The most important question was how could I find hope?

When researching the word hope I found I had no capacity for hope. Described as: to trust, to rely, believing in something, a desire for some good, accompanied with at least a slight expectation of obtaining it. To me that meant something reachable and with a base.

I am one of the lucky ones, for I was inspired with HOPE!!!! This hope came to me in the form of two plants. These plants were no bigger than little blades of grass. I was deeply moved by the expression of love these plants represented however, with my negative thoughts I was sure the plants would never survive. I didnąt have the strength to grow so how was I to find the room to help the plants grow? In words, it is very hard to describe what those plants have meant and accomplished in my life. At first I had to get up in the morning and force myself to check to see if the plants survived the night. I had to water them, so somehow I had to wake up in the morning. Soon it became easier to pull myself out of bed, it didnąt take long before I wanted to wake up. It may sound silly to the person who has not experienced the feeling of true hopelessness but, my only reason to live another day was to take care of my plants and watch them grow. The plants grew and as they grew I somehow grasped the energy to grow with them. The plants gave me tremendous strength and most importantly HOPE. I then started working at the Idaho Botanical Garden. It was at the Garden I realized the therapeutic value of gardening.

From the beginning of time people have had to endure pain & suffering. Each person has their own mechanisms to help them cope. I choose to believe that through my strength, courage & willingness to reach out, HOPE is around the corner for us all.

The first Garden of HOPE was started at the Idaho Botanical Garden where juveniles planted a half acre vegetable garden and gave all their harvest to the less fortunate of this community. It truly was an inspiring and life changing experience for all who where involved. We promoted hope in the lost youth, we helped the needy by providing them with needed vegetables and LeRoy and I will never be able to find the appropriate words to describe how being apart of this Garden of HOPE brought us together, and we witnessed the projects effectiveness.

It was very difficult for me to resign from the Botanical Garden yet, I left it with HOPE and mine still intact. When sharing my vision with LeRoy we decided to make HOPE a part of everything that we do. We laugh because the letters HOPE fit in with everything LeRoy has been dedicated to for the past 23 years (Helping Overcome Pollution Effectively) which also provides HOPE for the next generations. In my life HOPE is directed towards finding the pearl in everyday, making a positive result that impacts others. LeRoy's is much broader, and directed at the World, making a difference in saving marine life, wetlands and always researching new and better ways to help sustain our natural resources for generations to come. I am still the person who focuses on something reachable and with a solid base. Together we decided that the idea of Gardens of HOPE should be HOPE for the wetlands, HOPE for the reefs, HOPE for the rain forests, and HOPE for healing through community and gardening. Each garden of HOPE will have it's own theme with a specific mission in mind.

Just last week LeRoy and I were approached by a group who are interested in helping with this years Garden of HOPE. LeRoy's mother, out of her love and compassion is allowing us to use her half acre vacant lot. for this next Garden. The mission behind this garden is to instill HOPE for the handicap. We will make raised beds so that people who are in wheelchairs, or others who are not able to do the bending that gardening requires, so that they can nurture and plant their own HOPE. We will be planting herbs so that people who are blind can come to this Garden to smell and feel the plants. We will cut fresh flowers and take them to the senior centers. We want to touch as much of this community through this project as possible. If you are interested in donating your time, money, talent or materials please call me at 208-388-8896.

I have to admit that as hard as my story is to share each time I've generated the courage to reach out, I have seen people melt with tears. They share their story and express their pain. I find it very warming to know that no one has to be alone and if we really try we can show care, understanding and our symbol, even if itąs the slightest bit some HOPE!! I am now part of the living and in turn, would like to be giving. One of my dearest friends gave me a picture with the words "happy are those who dream dreams and are willing to pay the price to make them come true". The Board of Directors and Staff at the Foundation are willing to pay the price and we are asking you to open your heart and help us inspire HOPE in all who maybe at a loss.

For there is no greater joy than to know that our lives have touched others.

Story by: Sally Jo Headlee