Gardens Produce Treats for Assisted Living Community’s Dining Menu
Indianapolis North LIVING WELL Magazine
GreenTree at Fort Harrison Assisted Living, located in the beautiful setting of what was once Fort Harrison Military Base in Lawrence, offers an environment that is peaceful, beautiful and compassionate. From our residents, to our associates, to the greater communities we serve, Green Tree is all about maximizing the potential of every life we touch. Our goal is to create a radiant organization where people, including our residents and our employees, are loved, inspired and able to thrive.
During this time of the year vegetable gardens are in full swing throughout the Midwest. GreenTree at Fort Harrison is in the gardening mix this season as well, with weekends heading into summer full of people enjoying the terrific weather, and getting their hands dirty planting a variety of veggies.
The community garden at Fort Harrison is not a new thing, but this year something is a bit different in that the chefs and dietary team from the community’s kitchen are planning menus for the summer that include most of the produce being raised.
“A couple of our cooks are going through culinary school and they’re using several of the garden’s herbs to enhance the flavors of their menus,” says Executive Director M’Chellin Osborn.
Jim Miller heads the dietary team and has made it an initiative this season to utilize as much of the garden’s output as possible. The resident’s have enjoyed salads with lettuce and collard greens grown in the garden.
The community is not only promoting the use of the garden to support the local kitchen, but also encouraging resident family members to participate in the planting and care of the garden.
Osborn also notes that one resident in particular has made it a priority to stay on top of the garden and her family members are even bringing in tools the resident previously used at home to support her work.
Residents are engaged, making the experience in the garden one that is not just enjoyable but also healthy for their memory skills and body, while incorporating some physical and occupational therapy components.
The social aspect, as well as the exercise involved, makes the event tremendously positive for residents, family and staff!
