Couple finds way to help elderly relative continue hobby

Irma Chrz, 93, has always loved gardening.

When she moved to Alden Gardens of Des Plaines Assisted Living Community nearly two years ago, she thought she would have to give up her favorite hobby.

That is until her daughter and son-in-law, Barbara and Bob White of Des Plaines, got approval from Alden Des Plaines to build a raised garden on the patio of the assisted living community.

"This past May, Bob took several of my friends from Alden Des Plaines and me to Pesche's Flowers where we purchased various flowers and vegetables for the garden," Chrz said. "When we got home, we planted the impatients, moss roses and petunias as well as peppers, onions, green beans, carrots, radishes, lettuce and tomatoes.

"It has been fun for us to watch the plants grow during the summer."

The plants are just one nice benefit of the new garden, says Margo Martinez, administrator.

"The happiness on the residents' faces when they are outside tending to the garden is one of the greatest benefits of our new addition," said Martinez. "I think the garden shows us that one can still do the things that you love while living in an assisted living community."