July 21, 2021 - Wellness is a big focus here at Reliance Health. We love to find things that promote wellness amongst our staff, the people we serve, and the greater community. One of the wellness activities that we’ve found to be incredibly rewarding is gardening. From start to finish there are so many parts of playing in the dirt that we enjoy! With help from the Eastern Connecticut Community Garden Association, the Rotary Corp of Norwich, and the passion and dedication of our teams, this year is shaping up to be a great year for growth!
The Eastern CT Community Garden Association has been working with us for several years now, assisting our residential programs in building raised beds, providing soil, seedlings, and other garden materials to promote successful outcomes. The Rotary Community Corp of Norwich also stepped up and donated an abundance of seed packets for individuals to take home and plant. With all the resources needed in place, our programs got right to planting. Throughout the growing season they’ve been weeding, watering, and tending to the gardens, harvesting whatever produce may pop-up. In the process, staff and residents have had an opportunity to bond while learning new skills. In addition to the hands-on skills that come with planting and harvesting, they’re learning a lot about growth. They’re learning that growth doesn’t happen overnight, that it takes attention, care, perseverance, and patience. Sometimes, outside variables factor in and they have to adjust their plans to ensure success. As the gardens start producing food, they’re learning that there’s more work to be done to maximize the potential of their harvest. They’re learning about storing, cooking, and providing for others. Finally, the act of preparing the garden for the winter helps demonstrate that growth is ongoing. Even when the process seems complete, we want to make sure we’re ready when next year’s growing season starts.
When learning about gardening, program participants are immersed in a wellness activity that promotes personal growth, hands-on skill building, and healthy habits. They are empowered by the outcomes and encouraged to apply the lessons learned throughout the process to their lives. The rewards are abundant, and everyone ends up benefiting!
John and Shayna participated in a "garden to oven" baking day and made Coconut Lime Zucchini bread & muffins with fresh zucchini from the program garden.