Growing Something Meaningful: Amari’s Community Garden Journey
At Amari Home Health and Hospice, care doesn’t stop at the bedside. It extends into the small, meaningful moments that bring connection and beauty to our patients and their families.
This new chapter began with a simple but powerful idea.
After learning that Petal Connection, a company that donated bouquets to hospice patients, had closed, our Medical Social Worker and Volunteer Coordinator Lauren asked an important question: What if we grew our own flowers instead?
From that idea, something special took root!
Lauren applied for a local community garden plot and we were fortunate enough to be awarded one. What we received, however, wasn’t a ready-to-plant garden. It was a space full of potential… and a lot of work!
March 19 — The Beginning
The first visit to the garden was all about getting our hands in the dirt…literally.
The plot was mostly bugs and soil, with a lot of clearing needed before anything could grow. We spent the day weeding and sheet mulching to begin restoring the space.
And while the bugs may not have been the most glamorous part, they were actually a good sign! Bugs equal healthy soil, which means we’re starting with a strong foundation.
The outlined perimeter of the Amari Home Health and Hospice community garden plot, marking the designated space before clearing and planting began. This is the starting point of a project focused on growing flowers to create bouquets for hospice patients and their families.
The early stages of soil preparation at the Amari Home Health and Hospice community garden. Cardboard and mulch are being used for sheet mulching, while water is applied to help break down materials and enrich the soil, creating a healthy foundation for future flower planting.
April 2 — Progress Takes Shape
By the second visit, real progress was starting to show.
The space was beginning to look less like an overgrown plot and more like a future garden. Each trip brings us one step closer to creating something beautiful and intentional.
Progress at the Amari Home Health and Hospice community garden, with freshly laid mulch defining the garden beds and a small seating area beginning to take shape. The space is being transformed into a welcoming environment where flowers will be grown and eventually shared with hospice patients and their families.
April 27 — A Team Effort
This past week marked an exciting milestone—not just in progress, but in community.
Lauren was joined by a team member and one of our incredible volunteers, Carol, who works closely with patients and their families in their home and facilities. Having her be part of this project made the day even more meaningful.
Together, we made significant strides in continuing to clear and prepare the space for planting!
Members of the Amari Home Health and Hospice team in the community garden after planting early flowers. The space is beginning to come to life, reflecting the teamwork and dedication behind the project to grow and share bouquets with hospice patients and their families.
Continued progress at the Amari Home Health and Hospice community garden, with newly planted flowers and defined mulched beds beginning to take shape. The space is transitioning from preparation to growth, moving closer to the goal of creating fresh bouquets for hospice patients and their families.
Amari Hospice volunteer planting flowers in the community garden.
Follow Along!
This is just the beginning. We’ll be updating this blog as the garden continues to grow.
Thank you to everyone who has been part of this journey so far. Stay tuned! Something beautiful is on the way.
Want to be part of something meaningful? Join us in making a difference. Learn more about volunteering at amarihc.com/volunteer.