Many of our individuals are putting their green thumbs to the test by growing an assortment of vegetables this season.
Planting day in Paris was May 25. Residents of the apartments were happy to receive an assortment of starter plants and seeds to plant in their raised planters.
We are grateful to Cheryl Didtrek Antoski, chair of the Equal Ground Community Garden program in Brantford, who donated the starter plants and seeds.
Thanks also to maintenance coordinator Dennis Vecchiato, who topped up soil levels in the planters.
The residents and intervenors set to work with small shovels, spoons or sometimes just their hands, digging holes in the dirt and gently placing the plants.
The raised planter project was initiated last year in response to COVID-19. Research suggests that gardening helps alleviate stress. It’s also very sensory; the feeling working with the soil with your hands or small tool, the scents of the growing plants, the routine of watering daily, the health benefits of choosing, growing and eating your own food.
This year, seeds were being sent with the PPE shipment to individuals in several family home and supported independent living programs to enable them to participate this year.
We are looking forward to a bounty of tomatoes, zucchini, green and yellow beans, lettuce, kale, Swiss chard and assorted herbs.
