Olivia White Hospice Home Garden Volunteers

Gardens Founded in 2001 - Home in 2002

Echinacea - Photo by Laura Davis

The garden began in 2001 with the help of Norm Erickson, a Northland Hospice volunteer, at the corner of Switzer Canyon Drive and Turquoise. At that time the home had not been completed but a beautiful sign was placed on the corner. Norm continued to work on the beds on the east side of the sidewalk along Switzer Canyon Drive and in front of the home, until 2008. The rest of the gardens were developed by a core of Coconino County Master Gardeners initially led by Laura Davis and since 2007 by Loni Shapiro.

The garden crew is active from April-October and sometimes in November weather permitting. Work happens weekly throughout the garden season on Monday and Thursday mornings from 8:00 am-12:00 pm. It also is scheduled for one Saturday a month from April through October. Cancellations due to weather will be posted by 6:00 am of the workday on this blog. You must attend a spring orientation to the garden and Northland Hospice & Palliative Care in order to work. A summary of the work that has been done is included on the blog. Look for weekly postings on this blog during the garden season.

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Volunteering in the Garden

2015 Calendar

April 13, 11:30-1:30 Lunch and orientation for new volunteers at hospice and TB testing for all

April 16, 9:15-10 TB tests read and 10:00 garden orientation. First Thursday workday 9-12

April 20, First Monday workday 9-12

May 2, Saturday workday 9-12

If you are interested in volunteering, please email CrysWells@gmail.com.

Please note: TB testing is required annually for all garden volunteers.

If you have current TB results that were done by a physician or at a hospital, these may be submitted to Northland Hospice.

If you are unable to attend the meeting, please contact the volunteer coordinator Kathy Simmons (ksimmons@northlandhospice.org) to schedule a time for testing and orientation.

Tuesday, May 5, 2015

Week of April 27

It's the last week of April and the garden is almost ready for spring. We've had a good crew working on raking, weeding, deadheading and thinning for the past three weeks and we can finally see the structure of the garden. In the next few weeks we will be replacing plants and filling the pots. The garden should really come alive!

Carol Chicci worked both days and finished the rose pruning. They look beautiful and we should get a good crop of blooms over the next months. On Monday, Katarina Karjala worked in the rose perimeter and Julie Holmes watered inside the house. On Thursday, Ed Skiba showed up early to prep the vegetable beds. We should be planting there soon and will purchase a new standing bed to replace our old one, which is showing its age. Brenda Mitchell thinned and weeded along the rose trellis. I'm sure the roses will appreciate having more growing space around their roots. Judi Manoogian worked in the rock garden and it is looking totally transformed. Hope Gibbs took on the big task of thinning mint in the Fairy Garden and all the gardeners were able to take some home if they wanted. We now have room to replace some plants that were crowded out by all that mint. Hattie Braun stopped by to consult with Carol on the roses and give general advice. Crys Wells brought treats and I worked in the North Switzer bed, trying to fill in some tire tracks. I guess someone lost control coming down the hill last winter. No photos this week, but I'll post some next week. We should have lots of spring blooms to show.

Friday, April 24, 2015

Week of April 20

April 20 was our first Monday workday for the year and we had a good turnout. Julie Holmes, who kept the indoor plants watered all winter, was back. Katarina Karjala weeded and deadheaded the Moon Garden. Brenda Mitchell worked on the Rose Perimeter. Carol Chicci pruned roses. Carol Hudenko, Vic Hudenko, and Laura Davis worked on garden cleanup. With the garden just coming to life, it's a good time to review the status of plants and make plans for new plantings.

On Thursday, Hope Gibbs worked in the Fairy Garden. Hope has assumed responsibility for that garden in addition to the Tea Garden and it is definitely in need of some loving care. We will look forward to that transformation. Judi Manoogian wants to take on the Rock Garden and it definitely needs some taming and direction. Brenda Mitchell continued working on the Rose Perimeter. She is working her way around that bed, trying to keep the ground cover under control. Ed Skiba came to amend the soil in the vegetable beds. Carol Hudenko weeded and deadheaded in the inferno strip, and Carol Chicci continued working on rose pruning. Crys Wells and I were busy helping everyone else. Thanks to everyone for a productive first week in the garden.

Here are some photos that Crys took yesterday. Looks like we may get some crabapples and quince this year.

Opening Day in the Garden - April 16

We opened early this year because the plants are already growing and blooming with all the warm weather. We had a good group for opening day and three new, very enthusiastic gardeners showed up to help. Hope Gibbs, who is taking responsibility for the Tea Garden spent the cleaning that bed and is busy making plans to tame the herbs and replace missing plants. Judi Manoogian helped me clean the Switzer front beds. Brenda Mitchell worked on the rose perimeter, where she is trying to tame bellflower and lambs ear, which have both outgrown their allotted spaces. Carol Chicci, recently appointed Rose Maven, and Hattie Braun had a conference about rose trimming and Carol has been busy since working on the roses. Carol and Vic Hudenko are back and cleaning up Switzer Corner. Rumor has it that the corner construction will not be completed for at least two more years, and they will continue working beautifying that area. Crys Wells brought needed refreshments at break time and managed to help in spite of her knee problem.

Here are some pictures of the garden in early spring. We talked about the hellebore during our luncheon.

Tuesday, March 31, 2015

Orientation Luncheon for Garden Volunteers

You’re Invited

to a luncheon for

Current and interested volunteers of the

Olivia White Hospice Home Gardens

Monday, April 13, 2015 11:30 to 1:30

Northland Hospice Office

452 N. Switzer Canyon Dr.

We will get to know each other a bit, make plans for the upcoming gardening year, provide mandatory Hospice Orientation and TB testing, and make sure you know how you can stay informed and involved.

Won’t you join us?

RSVP by Wednesday, April 8, 2015

CrysWells@gmail.com

928-380-2494

Thursday, September 11, 2014

Harvest Luncheon

Olivia White Hospice Gardeners,

You are invited to our annual fall pot-luck

11:30 am on Saturday, September 27

Please feel free to bring your spouse

We will provide pulled pork sandwiches, a German potato salad, lemonade, and iced tea

Please bring a salad, side dish, or dessert –

Use something from your garden (or something from the Olivia White Garden) if you can...

Contact Crys Wells for more information

and to RSVP CrysWells@gmail.com

Monday, July 28, 2014

Monsoon in OWHH Garden

The gardeners have been busy working in the garden and traveling with our families. The blog is not up to date, but the garden is beautiful with all the rain. Stop by and smell the flowers if you have time. Ed Skiba's vegetable gardening has been very productive and we've been able to contribute fresh produce for the patients. Marilyn Schwind, Julie Holmes and Hattie Braun have been caring for the indoor plants and watering potted plants when needed. They have also been keeping the bird feeders and bird baths full. Carol Chicci has been keeping the garden looking nice by deadheading and weeding. Katarina Karjala keeps the moon garden are rose perimeter area in good form. Crys Wells, Becky Lewis and I are there when we can and do whatever needs doing.

The 10% day at Warner's was a big success as usual. Thanks to Misti Warner and the Warner family for hosting this event as they do every year. This is a major source of support for the garden.

We lost a good friend this week. Dave Hill's therapy dog, Murphy, had to be euthanized due to cancer. We always enjoyed seeing Dave and Murphy take patients for a walk in the garden. We will have a small memorial service and place a brick for Murphy in late August.

Here are some photos from Marilyn Schwind and April Smith.

Sunday, June 22, 2014

Week of June 16

The garden was beautiful this week! Many of the roses are in bloom and we have flowers everywhere. We couldn't do it without our helpers, so thank you for all the time you spend working there.

On Monday, Julie Holmes weeded and watered and filled bird baths. Ed Skiba tended the vegetables. Vic and Carol Hudenko are making the corner look like a park. Doris Monson thinned bell flower, which is beautiful, but taking over parts of the garden. Carol Chicci thinned other ground covers to give surrounding plants more room. Carol also brought yummy homemade chocolate chip cookies. Becky Lewis did whatever was needed.

On Thursday, Marilyn Schwind put up the bird trellis and took some bird houses home for hubby to mend. Carol Hudenko continued beautifying the corner and Doris Monson watered the vegetables and back of house. Crys Wells also watered and filled bird baths. Becky Lewis brought some homemade goat cheese for all of our hard-working gardeners. I finally fixed (I hope) the drip problem on the vegetable beds.

We'll post some pictures of the garden next week. Or feel free to stop by and smell the roses anytime.

Reporting OWHH Volunteer Hours

For the 2015 garden season all volunteers will report hours in the book on the back patio at the garden. If you are there on a scheduled workday the book will be on the table. If you come on a non-workday, maybe to water or complete something you wanted to finish, the keys and sign-in book will be inside the home in the table drawer to the left as you enter.

Please record all hours in the garden, at meetings, and for home activities.

At the end of each month the sign in sheets will be sent to the office so please get your hours in by the end of the month.

Wish List 2015

Wish list book is kept on the table in the lobby of the Olivia White Home. Check the book for further details. Contact one of the gardeners if you want to donate.

General plant related materials not available at Warners (where we have an account from a yearly fundraiser) – up to $250 (cash/gardeners will purchase as needed); includes special fertilizers, perlite, sand, soil, and other repair items. Purchase of unusual plants at other nurseries (Viola’s, NP & Seed & HCG).

Special feed for roses (we have 50) - $250 per season or what you want to donate. Gardeners will purchase.

4 Pruners/clippers - $10-40 (see book for ideas)

A variety of long/short handled, cut and hold, small and large diameter.

Craftsman Handi-cut for irrigation (see book for details)

4 Weeders – variety of long and short handled (see book for ideas)

4 Trowels – variety

Mud Gloves (8 Pair – 1 small-5 med-2 light weight) (see book for details).

Spray nozzles for hoses – prefer short handled with multiple settings.

Birdhouses for trellis (new or used in good condition).

Bat or butterfly house for grounds.

Hulled sunflower seed or chips for bird feeders ($28-85 depending on size).

We only use this type of seed, because of clean-up requirements for millet or black oiled sunflower. We also need niger seed (cost ?) for the goldfinches. This takes more than $500 out of our garden budget.

Replacement wheelbarrows-prefer metal with no-flat wheels. (1 needed)

Welcome to the Gardens at Olivia White Hospice Home

The gardens surrounding the home were created for all who find themselves here. The history below reflects the many hands that have worked in the gardens. The volunteer gardeners have worked to create a quiet, peaceful place to experience alone or with those you love. The garden design enhances the sensory experience. You can hear zipping hummingbirds, water fountains, and the sound of wind chimes. It is a place to stop and smell the roses or the soothing fragrance of lavender. The many vegetables and herbs grown allow residents and staff to taste the gifts of nature. You can feel the gentle embrace of the wind and touch the soft leaves of lamb’s ear or bunny tail grass along with other more prickly plants in a ‘touch pot’. Another design consideration was providing universal access to all visitors and special beds/pots that allow interested residents to participate in gardening. Sitting and standing raised beds, and ‘sensory pots’ accessible to wheelchairs are enjoyed by many residents.
Peace to all who enter…

History
The gardens were started by Norm Erickson, a hospice volunteer, before the home was built in 2001, on the corner of Switzer Canyon and Turquoise where the Olivia White sign is found. Norm also created the gardens directly in front of the home. In 2001 Laura Davis, a master gardener began designing and planning for the gardens that surround the home. Loni Shapiro assumed responsibility for garden coordination and planning in 2007. The first project in 2002 was to lay the cement pathway which was done by NAU’s Construction Management class led by Dave Grider. A flagstone patio was created east of the home by Joanie Abbott of Foxglove Gardening with the help of Heber Trunnel. The first two plantings by the master gardeners included an Inferno Strip on Switzer Canyon led by Terra Crampton, and a Rose Garden led by Hattie Braun with a large donation of roses by Bill Brechan. Coconino County Park and Recreation at Fort Tuthill donated many truckloads of compost, and Bill Eichinger used his bobcat to help edge with rocks the gardens you see today. In 2004 a core of master gardeners and hospice volunteers (Loni Shapiro, Karen Kent, Cynthia Katte, David Hockman and Nancy Palmer) joined Laura and began creating the many gardens here today. Today we have a regular crew of master gardeners and hospice volunteers, with two workdays each week throughout each spring and summer. They are supported by many other church groups, scout troops, AmeriCorp, college - high school - middle school groups, Coconino County Adult Probation Community Service, Upward Bound, and businesses throughout Flagstaff. Warner’s Landscape and Nursery needs to be singled out for their continuing support for the gardens since their inception with yearly fundraisers and discounts on plant and hardscape materials. In 2006 the gazebo designed by Jill Morris was completed with the help of Terry Payne and John Adams, from Christ’s Church, and Loven Contracting. John Adams along with the help of the Sunshine Lion’s Club finished it with a brick pathway. Foxglove Gardening installed the drip system over three years from 2008-10. Most of their time was donated. From 2010-2012 we received grants from the Bountiful Alliance to create a Native Medicinal Garden in honor of Michael Moore, writer and naturalist. The work on that garden continues along Switzer Canyon Drive. The garden was dedicated by a Navajo elder in 2012. A small garden was dedicated in 2011 to our long time therapy dog “Zane” Hill. Plans for 2013 include continued revamping of some front gardens, work on the corner of Turquoise with the installation of the FUTS trail, and landscaping our new shed area.

The gardens continue to evolve each year. Some have already been altered from the original plan, such as the Rose Garden, east front and ½ Circle gardens, and north Switzer Canyon beds. In addition, many other trees, shrubs, plants and hardscape items have been donated. A list of donors is located in the library of the Olivia White Home. The library also includes a binder of all the roses found in our garden (over 40). A map of the garden was completed under the direction of Cynthia Katte and Kathy Pate that includes the location of most of the gardens and the special features. This will be updated in 2013 to include the changes along Turquoise and Switzer Canyon. A copy of the current map is included with this handout and can also be found in the Rose binder.

Donations/Volunteering
A “Wish List” for donations is provided in the home that includes yearly needs as well as special projects. Our main fundraisers to help pay for materials and water are memorial bricks (brochures available in the home), an annual 10% of proceeds day at Warner's Nursery, and a summer Plant & Garden Sale at the home. In addition, we sell note cards made from original paintings of the garden, photo note cards, and earrings made from Job’s Tear seeds grown in the garden. All can be found on the table in the entry of the home. We are always looking for new volunteers to help in the garden. Our weekly garden activities during the year can be found on the Volunteer Blog (owhospicegardenvolunteers.blogspot.com) or by contacting,Sierra Gadsberry, Volunteer Cordinator at sgadsberry@northlandhospice.org.

Revised 11/12