Therapeutic garden at Greystone Farm gives seniors a purpose

Digging in the dirt and planting a garden can be a lifetime joy, but it can also be therapeutic, especially for seniors, as Greystone Farm at Salem discovers every spring during its annual garden planting events.

“Seniors who practice gardening know that, despite their physical and psychological health, their handiwork with plants produces beautiful outcomes,” said Noeline Cranston, Executive Director at Greystone Farm at Salem. “They are reminded that nature is always transforming.”

Gardening can be especially helpful to those suffering from Alzheimer’s disease and other memory care issues. Research shows activities that engage the senses provides people with Alzheimer’s positive emotions that they may no longer experience regularly.

“Gardening engages all of the senses, and can help those with Alzheimer’s rediscover their world,” said Cranston, who is also trained as a nurse.

In April, students from Salem High School’s joined residents from Greystone Farm to plant a spring vegetable garden. The event was memorable. “When teens and seniors spend a day in the garden together, the conversation is anything but predictable,” Cranston said.

The gardeners at Greystone Farm have grown tomatoes, green peppers and even eggplants that are used in the kitchen and dining room. Greystone Farm’s Chef Mark Timpe says the seasonal dishes he prepares using the vegetables from the Greystone Farm garden are a favorite at the community.

“The locavore trend can’t get any more local than when you grow it yourself,” says Timpe, who is also Greystone Farm’s Dining Services Director.

This Saturday, May 21, Salem Garden Club’s annual plant sale at Greystone Farm takes place from 9:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. Greystone Farm at Salem is a Benchmark Senior Living community located at 242 Main St., Salem, NH. For details, contact Greystone Farm at Salem at (603) 685-3672.