Master Gardeners do new community project

Each winter, a group of strangers come together in a class of novice gardeners hoping to become Master Gardeners. A new dimension has been added to this year’s class, one of outreach into the community. This year’s class voted to work on the “secret garden” at Ocean Trail Convalescent Center in Southport.

The purpose of the project will be to enhance the Ocean Trail facility and create awareness of Extension’s partnership with the greater Brunswick community. 

Some residents that reside in Ocean Trail are not ambulatory and therefore, spend most of the day in their suites looking out onto the “secret garden.”

Currently, it is not inviting. It would be a benefit to the residents, as well as staff, if this area could be used for relaxation and renewal. Ocean Trail Convalescent Center offers opportunities to enhance the quality of life for its residents and the Master Gardener class would like to extend this out into the “secret garden.” 

The project proposal includes clearing the existing area, planting shrubs, perennials and annuals that thrive in our climate. The class members hope to improve the landscape to provide visual interest year round. 

The class received donations from Dana and Karen Rife in the amount of $100; Silver Coast Properties and Darren Bouley in the amount of $40; East Coast Moving, LLC and Carrie Partello donated $150; Healing Therapies of Brunswick County donated $50; and Virginia and Roger Riedley donated $100.