This Tuesday, January 20, the Community Outreach Services Bridging Garden Group came together for a meaningful and heart‑warming initiative: sharing its winter harvest with the older adults at the Howard Beach Older Adult Center. This simple act of generosity brought joy, connection, and a sense of shared purpose to everyone involved. The “Team Up” Gardening Group, which has been cultivating herbs and vegetables with care and dedication, was especially proud to contribute to this effort and support the older adult community in such a tangible way.
During the visit, members of the gardening group distributed fresh cuttings of rosemary, basil, mint, and cilantro, offering older adults the chance to bring home fragrant, nutrient‑rich herbs to use in their own cooking or to nurture on their windowsills. These herbs were selected not only for their flavor but also for their accessibility—easy to grow, easy to enjoy, and perfect for encouraging small moments of wellness at home.
For older adults who already maintain gardens of their own, the group prepared an extra‑special surprise: young tomato and sunflower plants ready to be transplanted. These living gifts sparked excitement and conversation, as many members shared stories about their gardening traditions, favorite recipes, and the joy of watching something grow under their care.
This exchange was more than a harvest drop‑off—it was a celebration of community, intergenerational connection, and the healing power of nature. Gardening has long been known to support emotional well‑being, reduce stress, and foster a sense of accomplishment. By sharing their harvest, the Bridging Garden Group helped extend those benefits to the older adults of Howard Beach, strengthening bonds and brightening the winter season.
And the best part? This is only the beginning. The group is eagerly looking forward to sharing even more in the coming weeks, including zucchini, tomatoes, eggplant, and peppers as the next round of crops continues to flourish.