A scorching hot and buggy summer day did not stop about 15 volunteers from spending their morning at The Gardens at Brookdale to recover what were almost damaged corn crops. Sunday’s storm winds knocked over the new corn crop that stood tall behind the Brookdale Resource Center.

“I tried to fix this myself, but I quickly realized I couldn’t do it alone,” said Gardens Manager Susan Fisher. “So, we asked for help, and I am so thankful for everyone who showed up today.”

Tractor Supply donated wire cages for volunteers to place around the beds of corn crops. They strategically placed them between the stalks to provide support for the corn, used stakes and carefully wrapped twine around them, ensuring the plants stood tall and upright once again.

“This is an absolutely wonderful teaching opportunity, to grow their own food, to learn how to grow their own food,” said volunteer Marty Koplin who has helped since the first planting. “It’s really amazing seeing the change, but this is what they do. A little bit of sunshine, good soil, and a lot of love from Susan Fisher, this is what happens.”

That love and maintenance has allowed for more than 800 pounds of vegetables and fruits to be harvested and taken directly to the kitchen inside the Center. The garden has already produced blueberries, cucumbers, green beans, herbs, lettuce, peppers, squash, strawberries, and tomatoes. Marcus Lucas, chef at Brookdale, has been having fun trying new recipes using this fresh produce into three meals a day for Brookdale residents.

“They have been loving the squash for sure,” said Lucas. “You can tell that being able to incorporate fresh produce instead of canned vegetables into their meals has really made a difference.”

“The Gardens have been a big blessing for everyone here,” said Brookdale Resource Center Director Alison Bender. “Our residents have been getting excited seeing the crops grow, especially when they realize the spaghetti sauce was made with the tomatoes and herbs grown just yards away from where they sleep.”

If you would like to volunteer, there are opportunities every Tuesday and Thursday from 9:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. You can sign up and learn more by clicking here.