SPOTLIGHT ON MEMBERS: MONTCALM COUNTY

Four members of the Montcalm Area Master Gardener Association's Smart Gardening Volunteers teamed up with Katey Romence of Romence Gardens in Grand Rapids Michigan to sponsor a special event for residents from Clark Retirement Community. 

The day started with a visit to Romence Gardens and an informational class about vegetables and herbs provided by Katey.  After the presentation, the Smart Gardening Volunteers helped the residents do some shopping which they were able to do at discounted prices thanks to a special discount offerred them by Romence Gardens.

When the group returned to Clark Retirement Community the Smart Gardener Volunteers helped the residents prepare the planting areas and plant their herbs and vegetables. 

An employee of Clark Retirement Community designed and built the standing height planting tables -- designed using a combination of raised bed techniques and Square Foot Gardening principles. Two tables were built lower to provide easy access for those in wheelchairs. 

"This was a wonderful event and there are plans to expand to other retirement communities in the area, " says Nancy Milanowski of the Montcalm area affiliate chapter. "This project is a great fit with the Extension Master Gardener mission with two community partnerships, a strong educational component, and community beautification. We hope other affiliates take notice.  We'd like to see projects like this one throughout the state."