RENFREW COUNTY — In the spring of 2019 a “Gardening Committee” comprised of Bonnechere Manor residents, staff, and volunteers was established with the common goal to fully utilize the Home’s greenhouse area and develop a garden where residents could participate in caring for and growing produce to be enjoyed by all.
With the excellent leadership and expertise of volunteer Mike Noon pictured below on the tractor, a portion of the available land near the greenhouse was cleared of shrubs, cultivated and transformed into a viable garden space. The committee quickly enlisted the assistance of residents to plant seeds, tend the seedlings and eventually these plants were planted in the new garden area.
All summer, residents, staff and volunteers tended to the garden by watering daily and weeding to ensure optimal growth. As the garden started to produce its bounty of vegetables, on a daily basis, one could find residents out by the greenhouse picking cucumbers and tomatoes to be enjoyed on the spot or brought to the kitchen to be prepared and served as part of the residents’ meal. As the garden grew into full bloom, residents and the recreation staff began pickling and preserving the vegetables.
Their gardening dream will come to fruition tomorrow from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. as the Home proudly hosts “Tastes of the Manor”. This one day only event will see the residents enthusiastically display and sell the fruits of their labour. In addition to the pickles, salsas and chutneys, the event will also feature baked goods and hand knitted items (made by residents). Bonnechere Manor’s community-based adult day program clients will also join in the fun as they display and sell their delicious creations from their garden.
