DEARBORN, MI — Rain or shine, residents in the assisted living area of Oakwood Common, receive a special dose of sunshine each month from the Garden Club of Dearborn.
Dolores McHugh shows the St. Patrick’s Day arrangement she made during the Horticultural Therapy workshop.
Members of the Club’s horticultural therapy group come laden with fresh flowers, plants, gardening tools and vases to work with residents who are physically challenged and no longer have the mobility they once had. Each monthly workshop has a different holiday or seasonal theme.
“The work we do with these seniors helps them personalize floral arrangements and bouquets that they can take back and enjoy in their apartments,” said Margaret Rombach, who co-chairs the horticultural therapy team of nine women with Pat Knoop.
“For many, it helps bring back memories of when they had their own gardens. They relax and enjoy the beauty.”
Hazel Dawson works on a floral arrangement.
The benefits of being in a garden environment have been documented since ancient times. In more recent years, these benefits have been demonstrated through horticultural therapy programs to help people improve memory, cognitive abilities, along with socialization, physical coordination and strengthening of muscles.
During the March workshop, residents made St. Patrick’s Day arrangements.
Oakwood Common’s Activities Supervisor Shavon Baker added to the workshop by singing Irish songs.
Dearborn Garden Club members Eve Toohey, at left, and Gloria Rusin assemble flowers and materials for the workshop.
“Shavon is so vivacious,” added Rombach. “I believe it was as entertaining and fun for our volunteers as it was for the residents.”
According to Rombach, the horticultural therapy group is one of several study groups of the Garden Club of Dearborn, which was founded by Clara B. Ford in 1915. Celebrating 100 years of service to the community, the club’s membership has more than 100 members who meet once monthly at the First Presbyterian Church of Dearborn.
“The generosity, time and creative energy of these Garden Club members mean so much to our resident and staff,” said Mary Granata, director of sales and marketing for Oakwood Common. “It’s a beautiful partnership in every sense of the meaning.”
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About Oakwood Common
Oakwood Common offers one and two bedroom senior living apartments located at 16351 Rotunda Drive, within a beautiful 29-acre community that includes exquisite landscaping, nature trails and scenic views along the historic Rouge River Gateway in Dearborn. Oakwood Common apartments, available with flexible payment options, offer exceptional amenities for independent living and can be readily customized. Assisted living and a comprehensive rehabilitation and skilled nursing center are also available for those with additional needs. For more information and to arrange tours, call 800-642-4663 or visit www.OakwoodCommon.org.