Spring has come to Dallas, Oregon, and that means gardening. And what better time to dig in and get your hands dirty than April—National Lawn and Garden Month!

In recent years, community gardens have made a significant statement in support of the Dallas area culture. Large gardens have sprung up in numerous locations in Marion/Polk counties and the Dallas Garden Club touts a popular mission of growing and giving back to the surrounding community. These community garden initiatives are attracting gardeners of every age and level of experience.

The #1 Gardening Cheerleader. One of the biggest advocates for a campus community garden at Dallas Retirement Village was Village resident David Fletcher. When David was serving as Council Member for the Dallas Retirement Foundation, he felt like a community garden project was a good fit for the Foundation who likes to use “Bloom where you are planted” as it’s mantra when encouraging residents to donate/fund projects within the community where they live.

David convinced the Board to fund the purchase of building materials for seven raised individual garden beds. The original seven beds have now grown to 30 garden spaces and additional barrels for plantings located near the Village Apartments and also outside the Assisted Living residences. Residents sign up for their personal garden spaces through the Life Enrichment department.

Everyone Joins In. Needless to say, the community gardens at Dallas Retirement Village have grown in popularity every year. Residents and staff alike seem to join in on this fun outdoor activity and the ultimate satisfaction that comes with it. Jim and Catherine Baltimore love gardening and are at their bed frequently enjoying this great amenity.

After initial funding from the Foundation, the community’s Facilities Operations department took over. The department’s groundskeepers added their talents and also secured contractors to construct the beds. Landscapers help with the weeds that peek through the gravel surrounding the beds, and they also add soil annually for residents who want it. The Dining Services department even secured one of the beds where they planted herbs.

Each year, various donations seem to materialize, as well — like a Lodge resident who regularly donates Miracle Grow. The Foundation remains active by making sure David has a bi-annual budget for fertilizer, flowers, bulbs, soil, and starter plants to jump-start each particular growing season. And the community recently purchased materials and labor for a new garden/tool shed to be used and enjoyed by all.

Real, Individual Pride. Residents plant, cultivate, nurture, and harvest—mostly fruits and vegetables—but flowers are popular, too, in their own garden beds. Growing fruits, vegetables and flowers, many residents—past and present—have been members of the Polk County Master Gardeners. Many contribute acquired practices and advice to fellow gardeners and use favorite tools from past gardens. Besides the camaraderie that’s obvious among the gardeners, other residents enjoy visiting the garden sites to take in the wonder of growth and nature, share in the beauty of the floral plantings, and just to see what’s going on!