Cheryl Gehret sits from her balcony on the third floor looking down at the beautiful gardens in the courtyard of Kennedy Towers. She lived in Kennedy Towers for about 11 years, but never really got to know other residents until the gardens started this spring. "Everyone is working together to make the gardens grow," said Cheryl, who rents a raised bed plot for only $5.00 a year. Some raised bed garden plots are handicapped accessible which make it easier for people in wheelchairs to grow a garden. "The gardens are also encouraging people to do other things together - like a Bible study that we are starting."

 

Cheryl was born in Reading, PA and lived with her parents until they passed away. She then moved into Kennedy Towers. She became disabled in 1993 when she fell down the steps and hit her spine. "Little things that people take for granted, I can't do anymore,"  said Cheryl. She is very proud of her garden. She is growing broccoli, eggplant, brussel sprouts, roma tomatoes, sweet peppers, red basil, green beans, and even a watermelon.

Residents at Kennedy Towers are spending more time outside connecting to nature and the environment even in the midst of an urban area. "We changed the existing area that hadn't been utilized in years, and turned it into something that more people could participate in and enjoy. The garden has given people a reason to go outside and reconnect to nature," said Kim Murphy, President at the Berks County Conservancy.

 

For a more up close view of the garden, join us on July15th at our Kennedy Towers Garden Party. Details above!