Public Planting: Rideau Veterans' and Perley Health Care Center page 1

The Community Gardening Group enjoyed sharing gardening expertise and energy at the Rideau Veterans and Perley Health Centre this summer. It was the first experience in a community project for all of us, and with the help of the staff of the Arts and Crafts Program, we learned what to plant for the pleasure and safety of the residents. Raised pots and beds were prepared for the residents to plant and tend. Herbs were started for use in the crafts activity kitchen, and favourite perennials and annuals were planted.

Much weeding and pruning was needed, as the garden had not been tended for some time. Our reason for going to the garden was "gardening", but the real benefit was the activity of energized women watering, weeding and chattering for three hours every

Thursday. Residents who seldom ventured outside came out to investigate and chat. The music therapy group started to use the patio, now colourful and welcoming. Relatives pushing residents in wheel chairs stopped to inquire who we were and what we were doing. Some residents came regularly to watch or lend a hand. Our most sincere thanks go to Beth Ross, Barb Brown and Dannie Horne of the Arts and Crafts

Program at the Rideau Veterans and Perley Health Care Centre for their support. Working in a seniors hospital/residential garden definitely presented unique circumstances and we appreciate the time they took to help us adjust. Sincere thanks also go to Ottawa Horticultural Society members Marg Mitton, Pat Russell, Sue Chambers, Lelia Bousquet, Laurie Graham, Ursula Reichert, Chantal Boileau, Nancy Bolduc, Michelle Pilfrey, and D-J. Smith, for their time and commitment to this volunteer project.

Jan Pollard

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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