ElderPlace - Irvington Village

Providence ElderPlace Irvington Village

In 2022, Grow Portland began a partnership with the Irvington Village Providence Elderplace, working closely with residents on design and implementation, to rehabilitate their courtyard space, creating a vibrant growing space and added nature connections for all residents. Grow Portland staff & volunteers installed 8 accessible raised beds and several additional containers and meet weekly with the residents to support the care of the garden, harvest, and engage in educational opportunities. Residents have taken the lead on design, watering, and collaboration to ensure the garden is cared for.

Many residents and staff regularly comment on how the whole energy of the courtyard has changed so much now that the garden is here, and how it's bringing residents outside (especially in the evenings), engaging people, and giving them a reason to spend time outside where there wasn't one previously. There is a wide variety of veggies, fruits, herbs, and flowers grown in the garden, and residents regularly get to sample produce from the garden either as part of meals or as a snack. One of the highlights of the garden are the marigold plants - they are all grown from seeds saved from some marigolds grown by a resident who died. They are in full bloom for the entire growing season, and the flowers are saved to be used by the residents for their Day of the Dead celebration.

Another highlight plant are the zinnias, also saved from seed each season and grown in many corners of the garden. The colors are stunning, and one resident is hoping to enter them into the state fair next year! This season, one of the residents made quick pickles with cucumber, dill, and chives all grown in the garden, to share with other residents.

“I had fun, I like to plant things and watch them grow. If I had money I would get myself a little farm for animals and a big garden, I use to be a farmer when I was young. Having the garden here helps me a lot, it gives me something to work on, and think about. I’m excited for next year and already thinking about how to make the crop better!” - Providence ElderPlace Resident

“The support and education our resident-led garden group receives from Grow Portland are vital to the continued success of the program and space. We learn so much from Ary from Grow Portland and many more residents are able to enjoy our beautiful garden space.” - Resident Services Coordinator

Start up costs and first year pilot program was funded by Portland Clean Energy Fund, East Multnomah Soil & Water Conservation District, and AARP of Oregon. 2023 programming sponsored by Providence Health Systems