The Survivor's Garden

In this blog I have covered what it takes to survive in the garden and what it takes to survive gardening.  Today I am privileged to tell you about a very special garden for survivors.

This past Saturday I was honored to visit the Alexander "Sandy" Niniger Veteran's Nursing Home in Pembroke Pines, Florida.  This facility may be small (only 120 beds) but it provides dedicated care to our nation's veterans with dementia and Alzheimer's disease.

The facility had a small, rarely used garden area that had fallen into disrepair.  Enter a young man by the name of Jake Cairo.  Jake had a vision to make this small space a place where the veterans could get some sunshine and fresh air, enjoy the singing of birds, and watch the flittering of butterflies and the buzzing of bees.

Jake met with landscapers and nurserymen to determine what would grow best in the area.  He figured out how to work with the foundation plants and irrigation that were already in place.  The podacarpus could stay if it were trimmed to a hedge and the Firespike could be saved as well.  Then he pondered how to honor these veterans of the various branches of the military.

 A plan began to form and he consulted with some trusted adults to see if he was on-track.  Then Jake went to work.  He ordered special stones engraved with the different branches of the military.  These are real stones, not plaster or plastic imitations!

 He recruited friends, family, and fellow teens.  They went into a frenzy and transformed the area into a place of beauty that could bring joy to people whose lives were growing dim due to the ravages of dementia, Alzheimer's and other deteriorating mental conditions.  Hedges were trimmed, birdhouses refurbished, plants installed, and mulch spread thick enough to slow down those relentless weeds.

The day I visited, there were butterflies aplenty and a mockingbird went from rooftop to treetop.  This bird sang every song in its repertory. A song fit for survivors of all stripes.  Those who never give up, those who keep pushing on, those who we must remember...even as they themselves forget and are forgotten.

Native Porterweed

Oh, did I mention that the young man who took on the planning and execution of this garden rehabilitation is Autistic?  Yes, Jake Cairo is on the Autism Spectrum; and this garden was his Eagle Scout project.  Jake took on what most kids wouldn't dream of, much less accomplish.  From the time he began scouting Jake was determined to become an Eagle Scout and give back to the community.  I would say he has met his goal. Jake says this is just the beginning and plans to be an adult volunteer in the Boys Scouts of America.

So let's pause now to honor those who serve, like the veterans at the Sandy Nininger Nursing Home and those like Jake Cairo who are willing to overcome their own obstacles to serve those with greater obstacles.