It takes hard work, dedication and a lot of love to make any garden thrive. Even at a drive-by glance, it is evident that all three of those components have been poured in abundance into the gardens at Rose Haven, on Washington’s East Third Street.

This weekend, the public is invited to enjoy the sights and smells of those lovely gardens as Pamlico Rose Institute for Sustainable Communities hosts its inaugural Garden pARTy and Art Sale this Sunday.

“We’re really excited to have people out there,” said Kaitlyn O’Donnell, PRISC’s community resource associate. “Everything looks really nice and smells really good. I know everyone always drives past the garden, but I was standing there the other day, and it smells beautiful out there. It’ll be fun to have other people out there experiencing it with us.”

The party runs from 1 to 5 p.m. at the gardens Sunday and will feature at least six local artists selling their work, along with entertainment and refreshments. Portions of the proceeds will support PRISC’s mission of offering healing and reintegration for female veterans who may be struggling with issues ranging from post traumatic stress disorder to substance abuse.

While the garden at Rose Haven has all the hallmarks of a thriving botanical plot, there’s also the added component of healing. Formally named the Healing and Artful Gardens at Rose Haven, the garden is designed to be a thoughtful and meditative space, accessible to those who might be living with disabilities.

While there is still a ways to go on the house that will someday serve as a reintegration home for female veterans, the nonprofit is already using the property to help that population. Recently, PRISC held its first three-day retreat for seven female veterans. Activities included art therapy, anxiety and stress reduction strategies, cooking and nutrition classes, yoga and other wellness-building activities.

“We have some really good friends and experts who are giving us a lot of good feedback,” O’Donnell said.

To learn more about PRISC, visit www.pamlicorose.org.