With six unique garden programs across the Northeast, GCG is continuing to grow with Benchmark Senior Living to provide their residents hands-on garden programming, currently available in MA, CT, and NY
Details
What's Growing?
Cherry tomatoes, peppers, chard, carrots, cilantro, cucumbers, eggplant, squash, basil, oregano, chives, beets, onions, pea shoots, beans, spinach, and more!
Where Does the Produce Go?
Most of the produce grown is used by the on-site dining services. "The residents know we give the produce to the kitchen and they like seeing it in the salads that come out. It’s always mentioned on our menu when they are using the garden's vegetables and there’s a sense of pride for the people that have worked in the garden to see it in their food and say, 'oh I planted that.'" - Lauren Hathaway, The Commons' Programming Director
What Does the Garden Program Entail?
Benchmark locations throughout the Northeast are outfitted with raised garden beds, cold frames for season extension, and for some locations fruit and sensory garden installations. Weekly programming is provided for all independent, assisted, and memory care residents that choose to participate.
“Our residents spent all their lives going, going, going, and working really hard to grow families and businesses. Even if they can’t do as much as they’ve gotten older, it’s important to focus on what they can do to provide them with purpose. This program gives them that.” -Lauren Hathaway, Programming Director, The Commons
