Battle Buds

Healing invisible wounds of war with gardening.

Battle Buds connects veterans, military spouses, and high schoolers to garden and grow together.

Battle Buds welcomes military and civilian families to sow the seeds necessary to heal the invisible wounds of war. Veterans and military spouses mentor high schoolers and grow alongside them through the healing power of gardening.

Loneliness is an epidemic for youth and vets.

24

…between 2003 and 2020, Americans spent 24 more hours per month alone.

15 to 24

…starkest decline in social relationships is among young people.

50%

…of returning veterans report a loss of purpose.

 
 

We are here to flip the script. Together.

 Here’s how Battle Buds works

Step 1: Gardening Principles

Former professional athlete and gardening expert Lee Hightower III guides veterans, military spouses, and high schoolers on the basics of gardening through a robust curriculum centered on PfP’s three pillars: Wellness, Connectedness, and Social Entrepreneurship. Lee guides the group through 10 weekly sessions per season and follows up with the group at the 15- and 20-week mark to check in on the growth of the plants — and the group. Lessons include Introduction and Growing an Herb Garden, Vegetable Gardening Basics, and Social Entrepreneurship with Rejuvenation.

 

Step 2: Wellness

Yoga Coach Alexandra de Matteo leads the group in yoga, breathing, and meditation, working with the group on connecting self-care with nature and entrepreneurship. Each session includes breath work to attune the group to their environment and invest time in nurturing relationships through active listening, empathy, and mutual support to create a fertile ground for personal and community growth.

 

Step 3: Growing Together

Battle Buds build long-term bonds, bridging the military-civilian divide through mutual support, collaboration, and understanding how social entrepreneurship can drive community and environmental well-being. Over time, the group nurtures relationships as they do their garden — with care, attentiveness, and commitment.

Our Patriotic Vision

To offer our wellness, connectedness, and social entrepreneurship programs in all 50 states, supporting military families and young people from coast to coast.