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Dupage Convalescent Center Garden Walk

"Garden Walk at DuPage County Convalescent Center"

Tucked away in the center of the DuPage County Convalescent Center is a gardening oasis. In fact, it is so hidden from the view of those driving by on County Farm Rd in Wheaton, it has to be known as the "Secret Garden". Only those that live there at center as well as their families, staff, and volunteers are privy to the gardening magic that is taking place there.

The "roots" of this garden go back some thirty years when the area was first developed for residents to plant flowers. Back then, the garden beds were sectioned off on the ground for the fifteen or so residents who participated each summer. It was immediately apparent, however, that the lack of mobility of many of the residents who wanted to participate, but could not without help, hampered the growth of the program. This need, and the determination of those who ran the gardening program, brought about the installation of raised garden beds that can accommodate even those in wheel chairs. Now, the Resident Garden Club can often have as many as forty-five participants, in a season, each resident with their own six foot plot of garden to tend.

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Henry Parker, Recreation Therapy Coordinator and Garden Supervisor, stepped up to take on the gardening program many years ago.  He already had a love of gardening and his enthusiasm for Therapeutic Horticulture provides the heart to this program. Parker has attracted many volunteers who assist him in achieving his goals. Karen Harris and Dick Gove, both already active volunteers at DPCC, became involved in the garden program and have remained for many years. Four years ago the University of Illinois Extension DuPage Master Gardeners began volunteering at the gardens. Master Gardener and Team leader Linda Kunesh coordinates all activities for her group of twenty one Master Gardener volunteers.

A dramatic transformation has taken place in the gardens this year. this is because the DuPage Convalescent Center was the beneficiary of a Quality of Life Grant Award from the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation. The Quality of Life Project, Gardening Year Round, was made possible through a collaborative proposal submitted by the Bloomingdale Garden Club and its partner, the University of Illinois Extension DuPage Master Gardeners. Gardening Year Round, focused on therapeutic Horticulture and supports the Resident garden Program at the Center. With this funding, volunteers will extend the program by bringing a part of the garden indoors to residents with garden-related projects in the winter months. The residents will benefit from the programs that engage them intellectually, physically and creatively.

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At the heart of the transformation of the gardens this year is the design and installation of a new 560 square-foot wheelchair accessible Cutting Garden of Everlastings. Flowers have been planted in separate color rays with a key-hole brick path down the center allowing those in wheelchairs to become immersed in the center of the garden. the harvest of these flowers will be dried and preserved to supplement the garden craft projects for the Center residents in the non-gardening season.

"We are hosting a Garden Walk as an opportunity for residents of DuPage County to see the transformation of the Secret Garden and experience for themselves the joy found there," notes Linda Kunesh. "The resident Garden Club members can't wait to show off their gardens - especially their great vegetables. We hope that anyone interested in gardening will come and see the garden plots and the beautiful oasis of gardens that surround them!

"The community is invited to attend the Garden Walk, Sunday, July 22nd form 1p.m. to 4 p.m. There is no fee to attend and refreshments will be served. The Dupage Convalescent Center is located at 400 N County Farm Rd i Wheaton. Phone the Center at 630-655-6400 X 0.

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