Operation Growing Strong Together

Operation Growing Strong Together (OGST) is a communal gardening initiative that aimed to address issues faced by seniors in the greater Fredericton area. The initiative targeted both physical wellness (addressing hunger and promoting physical fitness) and mental wellness (addressing social isolation and mental health concerns). Ultimately, OGST’s goal was to enhance seniors’ independence, autonomy, and overall wellbeing. Drawing on the work of both the Canadian and American Horticultural Therapy Associations, and in consultation with the New Brunswick Coalition of Persons with Disabilities, OGST project team members designed and built an accessible garden. Seniors were invited to care for the garden, harvest vegetables, and attend educational workshops. The garden was equipped with raised beds, a full accessibility ramp, and wide paths to accommodate gardeners with mobility limitations. Feedback about the garden’s accessibility and usability was gathered from seniors throughout the project and relevant changes were made to meet their needs. OGST provided educational gardening workshops on topics such as: seed starting and saving, honey and bees, building healthy soil, cooking with native plant species, making pain-relieving salves, herbal teas, fermentation and preservation, blueberry gleaning, reducing food costs, and more. Indigenous food knowledge was incorporated into the programming.

• The low participation rate could be related to COVID-19 restrictions in 2020 and 2021. Older adults, being vulnerable, may have hesitated to participate despite outdoor garden spaces being considered safe.
• Physical elements such as shaded areas, more seating, water coolers, a shorter distance to parking areas, and a safe place for personal belongings, may have improved comfort and participation.
• Transportation was a barrier to participation. Providing transportation may have improved participants’ access to the garden.
• Overall, OGST built an accessible garden space that provided community members with access to fresh produce and an increased sense of food security. This learning community helped to mentally and socially stimulate participants while supporting a renewed sense of purpose and feelings of joy.

• Prioritize senior's need for accessible public transportation in municipal policy.
• Offer seniors more learning opportunities to help them stay mentally alert and feel a sense of purpose.
• Protect agricultural and green spaces in urban development policy by integrating accessible urban gardens.
• Increase shade in the garden using a permaculture design, which mirrors elements of a natural ecosystem, to make the space more user-friendly.

To learn more read the complete project findings (PDF 219 KB)