By Erin E. Murray
What was once an overgrown courtyard at the Blake Law Center has blossomed into a welcoming wellness garden, thanks to a partnership between the Occupational Therapy program, the College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (COPHS), and the Western New England University Gardening Club.
The Blake Garden now features sunflowers, tomatoes, beans, peppers, edible herbs, and even a few pumpkins—creating a place for both students and the clients of the OT Pro Bono Clinic to relax, learn, and grow.
This project began with members of Pi Theta Epsilon (the OT Honor Society), who envisioned a mindful space that could also support therapeutic gardening activities. “It was so overgrown. It was a space that needed love and had so much opportunity for students and community members,” said Dr. Erin Murray, an occupational therapy faculty member.
Paula Geddis, Occupational Therapy’s Operations and Enrollment Specialist, was instrumental in transforming the courtyard into a thriving garden and coordinating with the Western New England University Gardening Club to create a shared space for collaboration. “We’re fortunate to partner with our Gardening Club members to develop a vibrant planting plan that everyone can enjoy and share in the rewards of the harvest,” said Geddis. “The Gardening Club is proposing a thoughtful strategy for selecting vegetables and plants based on sunlight levels in each area. An approach that will make a meaningful difference in the garden’s success.”
In addition, the Wellness Garden offers multiple opportunities for Cub Connections: Roots of Wellness, an external COPHS and WNE program that involves students from nearby Duggan Academy. OT faculty member Dr. Denorah James, a mental health expert, will lead a Mental Health and Wellness session for Duggan students, while hydroponics expert Dr. Dana-Lynn Komoa-Lange will educate them about plant nutrition. Pharmacy faculty members Dr. Arin Whitman and Dr. Marissa Ostroff will continue supporting Cub Connection students from Duggan as they plant and harvest vegetables and herbs from the garden.
“There’s so much opportunity for growth and education in the Blake Garden,” Dr. Murray said. “I’m so thankful for everyone who has helped sustain it, and I am excited to see where it can go from here.”
If you are interested in more information or how to get involved, contact the Gardening Club.
