Gardening season kickoff

The Old Soliders Home Foundation continued our support of the gardening program at Armed Forces Retirement Home-Washington for the 2023 growing season with a $1,600 donation for supplies. Staff and residents were busy the week of April 10 planting the second floor terrace with watermelon, corn, jalapeno, bell pepper, cucumber, squash, string beans, tomatoes, peanuts, basil, cilantro, oregano, and more.  The second floor terrace is where long-term care residents can get outside closest to where they live, so the raised garden beds bring nature a bit closer and provide a terrific opportunity for recreation throughout the year as the plants are tended and used for activities like making salsas and other treats.

Independent living residents worked on getting the Victory Garden up and running the first week of May. The next projects will be finishing up rehab of the third floor terrace and the garden by the Anderson Suites where overnight guests stay, and replanting the meditation circle.  These projects wouldn’t be possible without the labor and sweat equity of all the residents, staff, and volunteers who love being outside and getting their hands dirty. Special thanks to AFRH’s Volunteer Coordinator Marine Robbins for spearheading these efforts and keeping us informed on what’s happening!

Photo credit: AFRH