The center completed a new accessible vegetable garden in the green space in front of our building this summer. Our center has been growing and adding new activities monthly and this vegetable garden is the newest unique activity we have. The garden is 16ft x 8ft and houses 80 sq ft of planting bed area .The inside is cut out and features pavers for a flat, open gardening area that continues to the parking lot. A trellis along the back of the flower bed will give growing vines a place to attach. The garden was designed and built by Fred Marsch from the Austintown Township Road Department.
The bed houses many vegetables and herbs including tomatoes, cucumbers, beans, lettuce, peas, peppers, watermelon, sunflowers, cantaloupe, basil, parsley, cilantro, dill, and many others. Seniors have adopted a 1ft section of the garden and planted whatever vegetables or herbs they wanted. The seniors will maintain their section of vegetables. We hope to expand the garden by planting an orchard in the near future.
Gardening offers many benefits to senior citizens besides providing an extra source of fruits and vegetables. Tending to a garden provides a gentle form of exercise, lowers stress and offers a form of relaxation. So choose your plants and come garden with us!