By Laura Hipshire
THE ERICKSON TRIBUNE

One of the obvious perks of walking is fitness; however, one community has added another incentive: Fresh produce. Imagine being able to take a walk and grab some fresh bell peppers or onions along the way.

At Henry Ford Village, in Dearborn, residents can do just that thanks to Wellness Coordinator Matt Wallace and a few volunteers.

“We started the Wellness Garden last year,” Wallace says, adding that the garden was his predecessor’s idea. “It was a big hit last year so this year, with a little more instruction and more resident help, we planted another garden.”

The garden is located in the community’s scenic Henry Ford Birthplace Park, the site of automobile pioneer Henry Ford’s birth.

Resident pitches in
Since Wallace isn’t well versed on the ins and outs of gardening, he asked members of his regular walking group if they wouldn’t mind helping. Dale Brown was one of the first to oblige.

“He’s out there at least twice a week,” Wallace says. “He advised us on where to put the plants, and he pulls weeds. It looks much better now, and things are starting to grow.”

Brown, who moved from Saline, says he gardened for many years before moving to Henry Ford Village.

“I told Matt I would pull some weeds if he gave me some nice tomatoes,” Brown says.

Brown usually works in half-hour increments twice a week, and his hard work has paid off.

“The green peppers are booming like mad,” he says. “We have more than we know what to do with. The tomatoes are looking pretty darn good, but there are no ripe ones yet.”

“The peppers are delicious,” Wallace adds. “We’re still waiting on the tomatoes, squash, zucchini, cantaloupes, and onions.”

Motivation for a healthy lifestyle
Wallace says he’s always looking for new ways to provide incentives to walk.

Brown maintains a healthy lifestyle, himself. “I walk at least two miles a day, and I’m in water aerobics,” he says.