Page 5 - CLH Foundation - Connected - Spring 2020

TRULY A

COMMUNITY

GARDEN

Carole and Rick Coutts’ farm is a much-
loved destination for supported members
of the CLH community. Visits to the farm first
began when David Coutts, a CLH staff member,
asked his parents if he could bring people out for
a visit – to feed the horses, pick rhubarb and apples,
work in the garden and walk the property. From those visits,
interest grew in creating and tending their own “CLH” garden. Rick
very kindly rototilled a sizeable garden plot and the gardeners got
to work! This summer will be the 4th year of the CLH garden. Typical
crops include carrots, tomatoes, bell peppers and onions, with space
set aside for beautiful sunflowers.
To have the opportunity to participate in
With the help of CLH staff member Carol Cadeau, who is so growing vegetables at a local farm goes
committed to this project’s success, the gardeners learn how to plant beyond words. I believe it is very important to
and care for the produce they work with, and at harvest time, work have a relationship with the earth and the food
we consume. There were many aspects of farm
on developing their cooking skills. They use their produce and share life that we enjoyed, whether it was packing
with everyone. carrots to feed Katie and Burt the horses, or
stopping off to bring Smudge the dog along.
Rick enjoys providing a place for people to be able to enjoy fresh air Dr. and Mrs. Coutts fondly welcomed all and
and see everything growing. And he loves to see the property being offered their personal touch and expertise. Our
so well utilized and enjoyed. Carole sees the positive impact of the primary focus was to grow a salsa garden. It
CLH gardeners through her grandchildren who sometimes come was successful, with sampling done at the “CLH
and work alongside: “It enhances my grandchildren’s lives, because Hoe Down” in November. We learned
many lessons: the work was hard but we
they and we live in such a narrow world. No matter who we are, and enjoyed the eating and sharing of our crops.
where we are from, we all need to be part of a community – if we
have it, life is so much better.”

A Greenhouse at Olive Street

With generous support from a CLH community parent and “Tay Men Give”, a
companion project is underway to build a greenhouse and bring the benefits of
gardening to youth who participate in our TAY (Transitional Aged Youth) program.
The Greenhouse will be a hands-on space for skill-building, teaching the benefits of
gardening and the joy of nurturing a plant from seed to harvest. Working with soil,
seeds, plants and each other builds well-being, advances social skills, creativity and
reduces stress! The greenhouse will extend the growing season and engage those who
may not venture to Coutts Farm or prefer to stay close to “home”. Our future goals
include being able to supply food to other members of the CLH community.
The Greenhouse will be installed and put to use this summer. 5