CZORNY HEALING GARDENS PROJECT- MG Volunteers Needed
Czorny Alzheimer Centre
This Healing Garden project is quite unique, unlike others; it was NOT a barren site when we first became involved in 2012. The gardens were professionally landscaped with a private donation, but described by the Social Worker as: "designed using plants for utility rather than beauty”, with seemingly no consideration for the end-user, or Right Plant in the Right Place.
( Please scroll down for more info and please contact Shirl Skagen if you are a QMG wishing to volunteer)
The Czorny Centre is a residential care facility for 72 individuals with moderate to advanced Alzheimer’s disease located in Cloverdale.
Three older cottages (wings) were populated by residents in 2007 and 3 newer ones, in 2012, with the gardens planted accordingly. Each cottage of 12 resident rooms has an enclosed large garden; there is an additional central enclosed garden that is used by residents, visitors and staff off the main entrance, and also expansive gardens at the front entrance.
The Centre’s request has been for expanded seasonal interest, incorporating color and scents to create a more ‘homey’ atmosphere and the creation of vegetable beds that could be utilized by residents for recreation therapy.
Our 2012 involvement included: identifying toxic plants that may require removal in the first two cottage gardens, and developing a plan for the ongoing maintenance of the gardens.
For 2013 we plan to continue those tasks in the additional gardens and enhance some raised beds and planters once volunteers are recruited.
It is my desire to enhance the Czorny Gardens in order to engage more residents and their families in enjoying these beautiful outdoor spaces...................................
If you live in the Valley, this would be a great project to be involved with—no fuss with bridges!...................................................
Submitted by: Shirley Skagen, MG project coordinator, Jan 2013.
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