Ottawa Horticultural Society

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Community Gardening At The Rideau Veterans And Perley Health Centre

Yearbook 2004 page 13

By: Margaret Scratch Back to the web version Ottawa Horticultural Society Volunteer Gardening Project page 2

The Community Gardening Group continued to develop the garden in the Ottawa East courtyard at the Rideau Veterans and Perley Health Centre, much to the enjoyment of residents, staff and the gardeners. Residents tended a number of raised pots and beds, designed specifically to be reachable from a chair. A raised herb garden was created and overflowed with parsley, rosemary, sorrel and lavender. Lots of hemerocallis and hostas were planted or moved to more suitable locations in the shadier parts of the courtyard. Weeding, watering, pruning and general cleanup was a weekly activity. The Arts and Crafts program provided lots of annuals and painted clay garden ornaments to add ongoing colour to the garden.

Our reason for going to the garden was the pleasure of seeing the garden develop, but one of the greatest benefits was the social contact with our fellow gardeners as we weeded and watered away our Thursday mornings. Along with residents, we enjoyed the music from the music therapy group, chats with visiting family members and the fresh bread that appeared when the bread makers were at work.

Thanks again this year to the Arts and Crafts Program staff at the hospital for their support and assistance. Thanks also to OHA gardeners - Marg Mitten, Jennifer Mix, Lelia Bousquet, Pat Russell, Margaret Scratch, Sue Chalmers, Ursula Reichert, and especially to Jan Pollard, our "leader".


Pots of flowers and veggies planted by the residents. New raised bed for veggies.

The changes that were made to the garden attracted a lot of attention. This resulted in much more use of the outdoor space. Residents came out to watch the activity and get fresh air. Relatives brought their residents out to watch and chat. Staff came out to take a moments rest. In this photo the music therapist leads in song.

To volunteer on this project or get more information contact the Community Planting Committee

Rideau Veterans' and Perley Health Care Center, Ottawa Horticultural Society Volunteer Gardening Project

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