A Garden Grows at Calvary Towers

The Community Garden at Calvary Towers, inspired by Towers resident Lana Forsyth who was itching to get the chance to once again do some gardening, officially opened September 27 with an early morning ribbon cutting ceremony.

Participants included Ms. Forsyth, Judy Thames, Winter Park Health Foundation (WPHF) trustee and representative of AARP Florida; Diana Silvey, WPHF Program Director-Older Adults; Bill Segal, Orange County Commissioner; Trina Hofreiter, Community Garden Coordinator; and residents.

Supported by a $3,500 grant from the Winter Park Health Foundation through its Older Adults Work Group, the community garden was a real community collaboration. The WPHF grant covered the cost of most materials, AARP donated volunteer labor to plant garden boxes and equipment rental, and Orange County supplied free compost—all in an effort to make residents’ dreams of growing fresh vegetables a reality.

In addition, Ms Silvey and Ron Lambert, WPHF Chief Financial Officer, spent a Saturday in Ms. Silvey’s garage building the garden boxes.

The raised boxes will make the garden accessible to all residents, regardless of mobility issues. In addition, an Over the Hill Garden Club has been established for the residents who love to garden.