Cultivating Memories

Cultivating Memories is a project that adds raised, accessible garden beds to long-term care facilities and retirement residents to promote the wellbeing of older adults at these facilities.

Project Background

This project was made possible through the generous support of TD Friends of the Environment, who funded the initiative in the spring of 2023. We extend our heartfelt thanks to the incredible staff at each participating facility for their enthusiasm and support throughout the process. A special shoutout goes to Steve Moran for thoughtfully constructing the garden beds, and to the Goderich and District Horticultural Society for their kind donation of plants. Your contributions were invaluable—thank you for helping bring this project to life!

Cultivating Memories Lecture:

In September 2023, Sage Milne presented an online lecture titled “Cultivating Memories: A Community Gardening Project”.

Joining her were panelists Betty Hendricks, President of the Goderich and District Horticultural Society, Ruby Debrouwer, Recreational Manager at Harbour Hill and Michele Melady-Young, retired nurse and Master Gardener.

Benefits of the Project

Physical Health

Raised garden beds offer a practical and safe way for seniors to stay physically active. The elevated height reduces the need to kneel or bend, which helps prevent injury and strain on joints. Gentle gardening movements promote flexibility, circulation, and mobility—key factors in fall prevention and maintaining independence. Access to sunlight while gardening naturally boosts vitamin D levels, essential for bone health and immune function. Encouraging movement in a comfortable setting makes gardening a low-impact and enjoyable way to support physical wellness.

Mental Well-Being

Gardening is more than a hobby—it’s therapy. Engaging with plants has been shown to reduce stress, ease symptoms of depression, and promote a sense of calm. For residents living with dementia or cognitive decline, tending a garden can stimulate memory and support focus. The act of nurturing a living thing provides a renewed sense of purpose and personal accomplishment. This natural mental boost contributes to overall happiness and emotional stability—an invaluable benefit in long-term care settings.

Social Connection

Raised garden beds act as natural gathering points, encouraging interaction and conversation among residents. Shared gardening activities build collaboration and help form new friendships, reducing social isolation. These spaces also welcome family members, and volunteers, bridging generational gaps. Staff, too, benefit from engaging in garden-based programs, strengthening relationships with residents outside of routine care tasks. A socially connected environment plays a key role in enhancing quality of life and emotional resilience.

Environment

Raised garden beds support a greener, more sustainable care home environment. They help conserve water through more efficient irrigation and drainage systems. On a broader scale, growing food on-site lowers the carbon footprint associated with transporting produce. Residents become active participants in environmental stewardship, learning about composting, pollinator-friendly plants, and sustainable growing methods. It’s a hands-on way to foster eco-awareness and reduce the environmental impact of institutional living—one garden bed at a time.

Supportive

Inclusive

Empowering

Community-Driven

Project in Action

Project Team

This project bloomed thanks to the dedication of an incredible team—from adding garden beds to new facilities, to connecting with residents through heartfelt interviews.

Nancy Simpson

Project Lead

Michele Melady-Young

Project Lead

Madison Cardno

Research Assistant

Sage Milne

Research Assistant

Alexa Harrison

Research Assistant

Project Funders