Pandemic Hasn’t Hampered Green Thumbs at Local Senior Community

While the coronavirus has necessitated more home-focused routines for many older adults, it hasn’t stopped Moldaw Residences in Palo Alto from introducing new ways to keep residents active and engaged.

With National Garden Week happening June 7-13, residents were recently given an opportunity to choose between a cherry tomato plant or a begonia to plant, pot and care for in their apartments.

“We partnered with SummerWinds, a local nursery; a lot of residents go there anyway,” said Arielle Hendel, Moldaw’s fund development director. “They gave us a donation and discount toward our purchase; they were very sweet. They told us exactly what we needed to get.”

To maintain appropriate social distancing, the more than 40 residents who participated came two at a time to pot their plant and receive instructions on proper care.

“They had the soil, the pots, gloves — it was all done safely and graciously,” said resident Shirley Negrin, who chose a tomato plant.

Fellow resident, Joanne Shapiro, echoed Negrin’s enthusiasm.

“I’m so excited, I was happy to participate,” said Shapiro, who also chose a tomato plant. “I love watering it; I think it’s growing really well. I get early morning sun on my balcony, all the way to about 2 p.m., but I do water it even in the heat.”

Negrin’s plant now sits in the sun on her balcony as well where she waters it every third day, just like the instructions say. She anticipates it will bear fruit later in the summer. More importantly, she says the small initiative is indicative of the lengths Moldaw has gone to keep residents safe and stimulated.

“During a very trying, difficult time, management here has been wonderful,” she added. “This plant program, and our exercise classes where we meet in the large outdoor courtyard — I’m really awed about the care that’s going on right now.