Breckinridge County population is comprised of approximately 20% seniors (over the age of 65).  Many are dealing with life changes which can include loss, reduced mobility, and change in living situations.  The Breckinridge County Agent for Agriculture and Natural Resources and the Breckinridge County Master Gardeners partnered with the Breckinridge Memorial Nursing Facility to conduct a horticulture therapy program.  The partners worked to install several raised beds, made at an appropriate height to access from a wheelchair that could be moved into shade on hot days.

The senior residents at the facility have mobility limitation and reduced stamina. Those residents, who tended the garden with supervision of the Nursing Facility staff, increased their physical activity, developed a sense of responsibility, and accomplishment.  The garden area became a social gathering place that improved social interaction, evoked positive feelings, and provided wakeful relaxation for residents and their family members who visited the facility.  The residents share their memories of family gardening and pride in accomplishment (i.e. first tomato, county fair entries).  Residents were also treated to garden treats in their daily snacks during the growing season.  

The gardening project at Breckinridge Memorial Nursing Facility is one of 15 community gardening activities that Extension and Master Gardeners conduct in Breckinridge County.   Each year over 200 people receive horticulture information in person and 982 by a monthly newsletter that features horticulture and nutrition information.  Plant disease, soil testing and weed and insect services are provided by Extension as requested by the public.    Other raised and accessible beds were placed in other facilities and similar results were seen with the Detention Center gardening project, the Gift House (center for women with addiction issues), and 2 homes for adults with mental and physical disabilities. 

These programs are managed by volunteers through the Master Gardeners and with the support of the local agencies.