Volunteers plant happiness for local seniors

This walk-in garden was designed by Greg Ernst, complete with an easy-to-use front gate for seniors. 

The residents of the Knickerbocker Apartments in Bay Village were thrilled last week when a team of energetic volunteers from Bay View Cares showed up with shovels in hand to plant a vegetable garden for all to enjoy. Bay View Cares, a missional community formed from members of Bay Presbyterian Church, organized and funded this event from design to harvest – and the residents are thrilled!

The amazing wood structure, including the front gate, was designed by Greg Ernst. John Meaux, Paul Lang, Eric Peterson and Paul Sutherland implemented his plan by building this uniquely shaped garden. Allen Borowski, his wife Jen, and their two children, Noah and Rebecca, worked to fill the beds with soil and Sweet Peet.

The selection of plants and their placement was guided by Nikki Haag. Her children, Anna, Emily and Alex, were all very helpful planting each vegetable in the right place. Michael Haag, who originally reached out to the Knickerbocker senior center on behalf of Bay View Cares, was on hand to help make sure this project went from a dream to a reality.

A special "thank you" goes out to Libby Peterson, who worked personally with the residents to make sure this garden reflected their vision and was something everyone could be proud of.

The residents have now taken over the garden and keep busy watering, fertilizing and watching as everything is growing beyond expectations.  

"This garden is fantastic," said resident Betty Singell. "I can't wait to have a fresh garden tomato in my hand – one that I grew myself!" 

Anne Naumann

West Shore Senior Center Knickerbocker Apartments

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Volume 5, Issue 14, Posted 9:53 AM, 07.09.2013