Emeritus Assisted Living

Jacki Hainsworth, Mary Lou Parliman, Marie Pickle and Carol Daily

On Friday I attended the Annual Garden Party held at Emeritus Assisted Living. I was invited because I was one of the original master gardeners who began creating a garden there. Mary Lou Parliman, Carol Daily, and Jacki Hainsworth have all continued there for more than 10 years, with help from many other master gardeners including Marie Pickle who is the activities director there. Carol and Jacki's husbands were also a big part of creating the hardscape there. While I was there I worked with Marcia Lamkin and Nancy Nashtall, but others followed such as Karen Cooper. I am mentioning this because the crew is retiring after this season. They have done a great job of providing a garden that resident's can work in or just enjoy. There are many amenities for those who have physical or cognitive limitations. They have several raised beds and large pots that can be accessed from wheelchairs or walkers. There is a circular walk that is useful for those with memory problems. Over the years with Marie's help they have developed a program for residents to participate in weekly. Part of the program includes an indoor light fixture for growing seeds and cuttings and they often prepare food that is grown in the garden. Many people have contributed to the garden (a grant was given from the CMGA last year), but the bulk of the cost in creating the gardens there was from the three gardeners who helped start it. All three of them have greenhouses and grew many of the plants for the garden each year.

The garden is well established but will need the care of new gardeners. It is a great place to learn what Horticultural Therapy is all about. You can learn how much gardening means to almost everyone, how it lifts the spirit, engages the brain, activates the senses, and helps with mobility. If your interested in helping next year to continue this special garden project, contact Marie Pickle at Emeritus (779-7045).

Loni Shapiro