Growing Friendships and Vegetables with Delmanor Elgin Mills

Gardening is a common passion among many seniors.  Some are not able to manage the demands of taking on a garden alone, while others do not have the means or the yard to have the garden of their dreams. 

Along with York Region Healthy Aging Working Group, Delmanor Elgin Mills funded this new initiative to work in partnership with the region's Public Health, Housing York, Seeds for Change and York Region Food Network.

Organizers are hoping to increase the number of these gardens which will result in a happier and healthier senior community. Residents at a seniors housing complex in Richmond Hill are tending to the garden.  They are not only producing a fresh crop of fantastic food, they are creating new friendships and a healthier perspective, along with stronger muscles and endurance.

The Official Garden Launch

 The Seeds for Change initiative is planning on building 2015 new community garden plots by 2015, and that, according to the Richmond Hill gardeners is a great idea!  The residents will grow organic food and begin to develop a seed garden to use in future gardens.  The fresh vegetables are then shared among the gardeners, along with seniors that are not able to participate due to mobility issues.

The official garden launch was attended by Mayor David Barrow, Residents of Dunlop Community, Delmanor Elgin Mills residents and representatives from Public Health.

The seniors are thrilled to return to an activity that they have enjoyed so much in previous years that provides social interaction with friends, along with the rewards and gratification that comes from growing your own food.  Everyone involved in this initiative gave the idea a glowing review.  The benefits are plenty and the organizers hope that this program spreads to many other senior communities in the years to come.

If you would like to learn more about retirement living at Delmanor Elgin Mills, or to arrange a tour of the residence, please contact Susan Applebaum, Marketing & Community Relations Manager at (905) 770-7963 or online at delmanor.com