The Glebe’s Green Thumbs Help Dig into Community Landscaping

When it comes to gardening at The Glebe, it’s a community affair. 

“Think fresh vegetables, pretty flowers and fellowship,” said Ron Miller. 

Ron chairs the gardening committee that maintains the raised planting beds The Glebe’s facilities team provided. Approximately 25 residents participate. 

“We have 32 flower beds assigned to participating residents,” said Facilities Director Rafael DeLeon. “The residents meet to discuss their projects, wants and needs, and my team assists in any way possible.” 

Raised beds allow residents greater access to the plants without sitting on the ground or bending repeatedly. Rafael said the beds have been highly fruitful in producing flowers, fruits, vegetables and herbs. His team repurposed what was the security checkpoint during the pandemic as a toolshed and supply area for gardening materials. 

“It’s wonderful to see our residents engaged in a healthy and stimulating activity,” he said. “Gardening increases physical activity levels and helps maintain mobility and flexibility.” 

Executive Director Ellen D’Ardenne said plans are in the works to expand the garden and increase the number of beds for residents to plant.  

“We are starting a project that will allow us to grow more herbs and zone hearty veggies that we can harvest and sell at the local farmers’ market,” Ellen said. “We are just in the planning phases of this garden and hope to get a spot started before summer.” 

This story was originally published in LifeSpire of Virginia’s 2021 Annual Report. The full digital magazine is available online.