In the world of gardens, each bloom is a symbol of renewal and hope. For Judy, a resident at LMCH’s Commissioners Senior building, nurturing these green spaces embodies a deep-seated belief in the power of nature and community.
Judy - who is often joined by her friend and self-appointed “garden assistant”, Bernadette - has been cultivating gardens in the available outdoor spaces around the property since last year. However, what started as an independent project is now growing into something bigger, which is what prompted Judy to apply for an LMCH Community Development Grant.
Supporting Positive Change with Community Grants
Community Development Grants are a way for LMCH to financially support projects by engaged tenants who wish to bring change to their communities. Through the grant application process, successful applicants receive funding towards events, projects or initiatives that positively impact their community. The criteria states that the project or event must: be tenant-led, have a positive community impact, be realistic, and be within budget. Now awarded a community grant, Judy and Bernadette are set to enhance the gardens and continue fostering positive change within their community.
Gardens Blossom with Creative Vision
Judy didn’t grow up gardening but developed a passion for tending to plants and flowers later in life. Her dedication to the gardens at Commissioners is partly due to a love of horticulture, but also because of how the mission brings people together. While walking through the gardens, she frequently pointed out statues, plants or other garden accessories that had been donated by fellow tenants who wanted to contribute to the beautiful scene.
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As we made our way around the building, it became clear very quickly that the gardens are a never-ending labour of love. For every beautiful flower or figurine, Judy and Bernadette pointed out two more things that could be fixed, improved, or added to make the space even better. The entire outdoor space has been affected by Judy and Bernadette’s creative and thrifty influence. Two side tables holding potted plants on either side of an outdoor bench arrived at the building as spools of wire during an elevator upgrade. Judy saw their potential and asked if she could keep them. Now, they’ve been painted and repurposed – adding a pop of colour and care to Commissioner’s exterior.
The most beautiful thing about the gardens has nothing to do with the thriving, colourful beds of plants. It’s the joy that Judy and Bernadette are cultivating by spending time outside together, inviting other tenants to join them as they pull weeds, laugh, and make improvement plans for their flourishing garden and community.
When praised for all the time, effort and love she has poured into the space, Judy only had this to say:
“It’s not my garden, it’s everybody’s.”
