As an example of teaching people how not to borrow from the
future while simultaneously giving to those in need, the Saint
Louise Regional Hospital Master Gardener Project is a multi-purpose
effort that serves as a demonstration garden for sustainable
gardening practices, yields food for the needy, and brings
community members together to beautify the South Bay landscape.
As an example of teaching people how not to borrow from the future while simultaneously giving to those in need, the Saint Louise Regional Hospital Master Gardener Project is a multi-purpose effort that serves as a demonstration garden for sustainable gardening practices, yields food for the needy, and brings community members together to beautify the South Bay landscape.
“This acre of land serves as a reminder of what a community can do when a seed of an idea takes hold,” said Saint Louise Regional Hospital Foundation CEO Michele Averill. “Fruit and vegetable harvests are donated to the hospital cafeteria and to St. Joseph’s Family Center in Gilroy to feed the less fortunate.
“Flowers from the cutting garden brighten the welcome desk and offices,” she adds. “Often they are presented to patients.”
The project was formed as a result of a partnership between SLRH Foundation and the Master Gardeners of Santa Clara County. The intention of the garden is to provide home gardeners with an example of sustainable gardening practices through making plant recommendations and encouraging people to start composting at home and eliminate pesticides. While the hospital provides the land, water, and electrical services, the Master Gardeners provide their University of California research-based knowledge and experience.
Donors, volunteers, and local businesses provide dirt, cardboard and wood chips, and Boy Scouts and youth groups volunteer to dig, weed, mulch, and rake.
While some classes in sustainable gardening are already being offered, plans for future courses are in the works.
“We plan to offer home gardeners classes in composting, healthy food choices, and sustainable landscaping in the near future,” said Bette Lloyd, master gardener project lead who has been with the garden since its inception. “The hospital garden is a true inspiration for community-based efforts to give back to the community in a practical way.”
