Seniors Embrace Spring in Community Garden

A growing partnership between the Green City Growers and The Commons in Lincoln has harvested friendships, memories and provided garden to table dining at the community.

In 2017, Green City Growers installed four 30" raised vegetable beds with bush and vine trellising at the community, along with a Sensory Garden full of edible plants. Every Tuesday afternoon, the community gets a visit from Green City Growers; they provide insights and tips to the residents, plant fruits and vegetables, and teaches the residents about the best time to grow certain crops.

"The residents enjoy the gardening because most of them had gardens at their former homes," said Lauren Hathaway, programming director at The Commons in Lincoln. "Growing fruits and vegetables at the community brings back that familiar calming feeling."

According to a study published in the journal Neuroscience, there's evidence that a bacterium found in soil actually stimulates serotonin production, acting as a natural antidepressant. The theory is that just inhaling dirt can calm your nerves, or at least boost your mood. Researchers following people in their 60s found that those who gardened regularly had more than a 30 percent lower risk of dementia than their non-gardening counterparts.

“Some of the herbs and vegetables grown in the community garden are used in our kitchen,” says Lauren. “When residents grow and harvest produce in the garden and they see it on their plates and infused in their meals, it gives them a sense of pride.”

The baking club at the community also uses the garden. Last May for the Kentucky Derby, the group made a mint julep Bundt cake with mint grown in the garden.

The crop last year was bountiful - yielding peppers, eggplant, peas, carrots, kale, lettuce and herbs like mint, cilantro, thyme and rosemary. Spring is here and warmer weather is near. Soon, residents will prep the garden for new crop and provide the community with fresh produce.

About The Commons in Lincoln

The Commons in Lincoln is a Benchmark Signature Living Lifecare Community that offers independent living, assisted living, memory care and rehabilitation with the style, service and luxury you expect from a five-star destination. The Commons is a leading provider of senior living services located in Lincoln, Mass., and offers exceptional maintenance-free senior housing, a wide variety of premium services and amenities, and a full continuum of on-site health care. For more information, visit our website.