Horticulturalist Karen Bonoff likes nothing better than sharing
her love of gardening; in fact she thinks of it as

Plants for the Soul

PORTLAND, Oregon – April 21 – 2011 – By Gail Park

Karen Bonoff brings the beauty of nature to the seniors at West Hills Village. Gardening has become a pastime for some of the residents there. Every Tuesday Bonoff is welcomed by tenants at the senior community nestled in the trees between Garden Home and Multnomah Village. Throughout the year the West Linn resident prepares horticultural sessions that educate and motivate the seniors. Bringing nature to the community, participation is increasing.

"In the beginning only a handful of folks attended, and different people each time," says the mother of three who has visited the Village for two years. "Now the group has grown and snowballed." Each week approximately 15 to 22 participants gather for inspiration from the Oregon State University horticulture graduate. "My involvement goes beyond gardening," she says.

Many of the attendees are in wheelchairs or use walkers and canes. With anticipation, they assemble around the 54-year-old to learn about nature, celebrate the seasons, sip their homemade herb tea and grow their own flowers and vegetables. Rolling her "garden on wheels" to people who otherwise would lack the opportunity to experience a garden, she arouses interest. Nurturing the bonds between plants and the seniors, she triggers memories.

The part-time Rosemont Ridge Middle School library assistant makes a difference at the senior community in a number of ways. Having planned 52 horticultural sessions, the residents are reminded of her arrival in a community newsletter. However, she remains flexible as she listens and adapts to the attendees’ wishes. "A third or more of the group were teachers," she says, "and they crave exploration." Endless curiosity compels the devoted gardeners to join Bonoff each week.

The group learns about nature and cultivating plants. They grow flowers, make tea from herbs, plant lettuce and other produce and gather for a laugh or two. One afternoon they ate Mediterranean fruit. kumquats, figs, dates and quince were explored and taste tested. The diversity of instruction is as different as the garden enthusiasts themselves.

The residents work with each other and help each other out. Those with good dexterity sit next to those with poor mobility. "It works. No one gets ruffled. There’s a nice calmness," says Bonoff.

Some residents are developing knowledge and starting to care for their own plants. "The simulation is leading to explotion," she says. "Some gardeners have plants growing in their private rooms or personal outdoor planters."

West Hills Village resident Rita B., 94, says, "I didn’t know the first thing about gardening, but Karen has helped me discover new plants and how to keep them healthy. Her in-depth knowledge is remarkable. I thoroughly enjoy her visits." With spring fever in the air, sweet peas and pansies are already growing. The herb plants are responding to springtime’s warmth and producing new leaves. Seeds are sown and flowering annuals are appearing throughout the Village.

Evidence of successful stopovers can be found around the community. Seven wooden raised planter boxes are producing herbs, flowers, ornamentals and produce. Plant life is abundant. Built by Garden Partners, an organization that has provided 14 therapeutic horticulture programs across the Portland Metro area, Bonoff attends to the raised gardens.

She was first introduced to West Hills Village as a Garden Partners’ supporter and volunteer. Today she serves the residential and care community on her own, ensuring continued regular visits. Session regular Jim O., age 80, grows radishes, daffodils and strawberries. Garden enthusiast Rita B., 94, buys enough plants to fill one patio’s brick flowerbeds. Two women residents, originally from Florida, are caught up in the whole gardening business and have claimed one of the wooden planter boxes for their own garden endeavors.

According to Bonoff, the therapeutic benefits of gardening and meeting weekly with the seniors include increasing mobility and flexibility, helping to improve motor skills, jogging pleasant memories, reducing stress and promoting relaxation and social well-being. "Presenting plants during spring and summer is easy," says the program leader who works a 4-foot by 8-foot raised garden at her own home. "There are so many to share each month," she adds. "We like to press the blooms and make bookmarks. They are nice reminders (of nature’s bounty)."

To download a pdf copy of the article, complete with photos, please click here. For more information about West Hills Village or to schedule a personal tour, please call 503.245.7621.

News Archives