Container Gardening Workshop promotes green thumbs at MapleCreek

On June 14, MapleCreek hosted its first outdoor creative container gardening workshop behind The Terraces. It was attended by MapleCreek residents and people from the community. "The weather couldn't have been better," said Diann Gilliam-Johnson, marketing coordinator. "It was just perfect for it."

The workshop was taught by landscape architect Patricia Cornelisse, who was the designer of the landscaping for the MapleCreek grounds during the renovation and expansion project a few years back. She was joined in leading this workshop by MapleCreek maintenance worker Doug Spencer.

"I think those who with gardening experience probably picked up some extra tips," said Gilliam-Johnson. "And those who are beginners got enough good information to give them a jump start on doing their own container gardening."

Topics included how to create a beautiful container of flowering plants, and the ins and outs of vegetable container gardening. A drawing was held to win a garden kneeler seat that makes gardening easier. There was a wonderful picnic lunch for all following the workshop. "The workshop was well received," Gilliam-Johnson said. "We'll definitely want to do this again."

Spencer is a handyman who likes to fix up equipment and build new things for the benefit of this senior living community. A few months ago, he partially disassembled, cleaned and painted the MapleCreek tractor, making it look almost new for very little cost.

Recently, he built some raised garden bed tables that will allow MapleCreek residents to enjoy putting their hands into soil again without having to bend over or kneel. 

Gilliam-Johnson appreciates Doug's resourcefulness. "Those raised gardening beds that Doug built are great for the residents," she said.