Ladies from the Mountain Garden Club developed and maintain a garden behind the Eckerd Living Center on the Highlands-Cashiers Hospital campus much to the delight of ELC residents.
Mountain Garden Club Members get right into it for some much-needed maintenance.
MGC Members were able to visit the garden earlier this month for the first time since they performed in last year’s Highlands Christmas Parade for some much-needed maintenance.
Many of the blooming plants in the garden at the Eckerd Living Center are left over from Mountain Garden Club’s Plant Sale, which was cancelled this year due to COVID-19.
MGC Member Midge Rothermal helped spearhead the project 4 years ago.
The garden gives ELC residents a chance to come outside and be surrounded by nature.
“When we first began this project and took a walk around, the shrubbery was up past the windows,” said Rothermal. “When I trimmed down and could see the resident inside, they were applauding. They love coming out here, it’s just wonderful.”
The garden is full dahlias, shrubbery, and blooming plants from this year’s cancelled annual Plant Sale. ELC Resident Joe Marks said he visits the garden often.
The garden is an explosion of color in bloom.
“It’s beautiful,” said Marks. “I come out here every day and I like looking at all of the plants, we’re very lucky to have this.”
ELC Activities Director Chase Nelson said the residents are very appreciative of the MGC’s efforts.
“It’s one of the few places they can go and be surrounded by nature,” said Nelson. “They water the plants, they points things out to us, they love it.”
Mountain Garden Club Member Sherrie Cathcart works on the garden located behind the ELC.
MGC President Ellie Houston said the Club supports the ELC in a variety of ways to help make their days a little brighter.
“We come dance for them on Valentine’s Day and St. Patrick’s Day, the residents love it and so do the nurses,” said Houston. “And we love doing it.”
Pictured at the top of the article from left are Mountain Garden Club Members Sherrie Cathcart, Ellie Houston, Midge Rothermel, and Ginny Dunwoody.
Article and photos by Brian O’Shea
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