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Victory Gardens An old campaign takes on new meaning in 2002 By Jack Carman There once was a time when people felt patriotic about working on their land. Many people can still remember an era when families tended their own gardens to raise food for their immediate needs and to meet the needs of others. This was all part of a campaign during World War II to help the armed forces that were serving our country overseas. People in the US were asked to aid the war effort by producing food for themselves and others. It is estimated half of all Americans during that time--more than 18 million people--planted "victory gardens." The goal of the victory garden program was to encourage Americans to start a garden to grow their own food. The garden could be in the kitchen doorway, a window box, an apartment balcony, or in pots on a windowsill. Home gardeners were asked to increase production of food in America, as they were doing in Great Britain and Canada. Every square inch of soil was to be used to grow herbs and vegetables. The gardens were promoted in government publications, newspapers, magazines, posters, matchbook covers, and radio jingles. As one of the posters proclaimed, "Our food is fighting--a garden will make your rations go further." Kay and Tom Garvey remember these gardens well. They were not married at the time, but grew up in the same town. Tom was in the European theatre during WWII. Kay worked in a zipper factory, and lived at home with her parents and four siblings. Kay describes her family's garden as being about "50 feet by 50 feet with a lot of stones in the soil." They grew almost everything, canned what they grew, and made many of their own condiments, such as ketchup and relish. Kay longingly talked about her family's garden and spoke of starting another one in the couple's backyard. Today, after successfully planting her new-age victory garden, she prepares the green tomato relish that she used to make during the glory garden days and shares it with others. Interviewing senior residents in long-term care facilities can uncover many wonderful stories like these. Most people are eager to talk about their past and how they helped contribute to a specific cause. They will often have an interesting perspective on victory gardens and the events that shaped the nation. Rationing, blackouts, and waiting in lines were a part of their lives during the war. War efforts are not the same today. However, after the events of Sept. 11, many Americans share the same sentiments they did in the 1940s. Many people are compelled to find out how they can help. They want to volunteer and aid others. Gardening can be a catalyst for many helpful activities, an opportunity to get to know each other a little better, and to respond to one another emotionally. Sharing books, photos, and old posters from that era will help trigger many memories and emotions. Some national institutions have exhibits on WWII and the victory gardens. The Smithsonian in Washington, DC, recently had an exhibit on the subject, complete with a re-created victory garden. The demonstration garden offered a variety of plants, placed in rows, with bold pictures identifying the vegetables being grown. This idea could be recreated within an assisted-living residence or any long-term care community. The Victory Gardens Seed Co. (www.victoryseeds.com) is one source for supplies. The use of heirloom plants is an integral part of this renewed interest in patriotic gardening. John Siminski, director of horticulture at Medford Leas Continuing-Care Retirement Community in Medford, NJ, is creating an "Heirloom Garden." He has researched heirloom plants grown decades ago, including tomatoes, pole beans, onions, parsnips, potatoes, and turnips. The garden will be located near the entrance of the senior campus. This is the second project completed with community assistance at Medford Leas. The facility is reaching out to the surrounding community for help. For a strong source of practical gardening knowledge, the facility has enlisted the support of the master gardeners of Burlington County, and the services of a local Eagle Scout candidate. The Boy Scout will be directing his troop members to help plant the garden as part of his Eagle Scout project. To create a victory garden like Medford Leas did, be sure to start small if this is a first-time effort. (Enlarging the garden gradually can come later with each passing each year.) Get the kitchen involved by soliciting recommendations on items that can be used in the preparation of meals. Seniors who grow their own herbs and vegetables experience a greater interest in the foods they eat every day. If the garden is successful, the surplus vegetables can be given to a local charity or community-service program, enabling residents to feel good about their gardening efforts and remain connected to their community. A harvest fair is also a great way to show off seniors' "green thumbs." Contests for the biggest tomato, the best squash, or a homemade relish keeps families actively involved. Encourage a local newspaper to write about the event. People like to see their picture in the paper and the publicity is good for the senior community. Creating these patriotic victory gardens in senior communities can accomplish many wonderful things. Those who lived through WWII will more than likely be glad to participate in the planning of a modern-day garden since they have the experience and can remember how they were created to aid the cause. Senior gardeners can explain the best way to raise vegetables and provide "trade secrets" about preventing unwanted insects from invading the garden. In light of the tragedies of Sept. 11, a renewed interest in victory gardens seems logical and comforting. Tending to the land can evoke a familiar, soothing feeling. There is a familiarity with the outdoor environment that we can relate to and feel at ease with. The creation of a victory garden within a community can be a therapeutic recreation that benefits everyone. More information can be found in the book Gardens for Victory by Jean-Marie Putnam and Lloyd C. Cosper. Jack Carman, ASLA, president of Design for Generations, is a landscape architect specializing in the development of the exterior environment of senior residences, nationwide. As a consultant, his designs help to expand the role of the therapeutic garden to meet the older adult's physical, psychological, and social needs. He can be reached at jpcarman@waterw.com.
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