By Jeff Ostroth
THE ERICKSON TRIBUNE
When Bea Gardella first visited Seabrook a little over two years ago, it was basically as a favor a to friend who wanted to go to one of the events. “She asked me if I knew where it was, and I said I did,” says Bea, who lived in Rumson, N.J. “So we came here in May.”
The campus was in full bloom, and to make a long story short, Bea moved to Seabrook by the end of July.“And my friend is still in her house!” she says.
What sold Bea on Seabrook? Its pet policy, for one thing, which allowed her to bring her dog. She also wanted to be on the first floor with an outdoor patio. And, just as important, she wanted to be able to continue with her gardening.
And has she ever—all over the Seabrook campus.
Community Gardens
Certified several years ago as a Master Gardener, Bea has a garden lot in the Seabrook Community Gardens, which is located in the south corner of the campus.
Currently there are about 80 lots there, including ten that are raised up about three feet to accommodate those who have trouble getting down on their hands and knees. Each lot is ten-feet-square, except for the raised lots, which are about ten-by-five to allow access from all four sides.
“The people who like to garden go out there and do their thing,” says Bea. “Whatever they want to grow, they can grow.”
Bea’s garden includes chrysanthemums and other flowers, hollyhocks, some cucumbers, sweet potatoes, and herbs. “A lot of us who work at the gardens also tend to make soup, which is wonderful for lunch in the winter,” she says. “So we like the herbs and chives to cook with.”
The Patio and Beyond
In addition to working in her Community Garden lot, Bea has also planted flowers and shrubs in the area around her patio, and also along the edge of the woodland that faces her picture window.
“It’s been fun gardening here,” she says. “At first I did it for my own enjoyment, but I’ve had a lot of compliments from others who look out and see it.”