When I first came to Healdsburg District Hospital in July of 2017, I saw a raised vegetable garden bed outside of the café that desperately needed love. Initially, I considered replacing some of the wood boards but the fixer-upper in me knew the whole structure needed to be rebuilt. It was overgrown with mint, a very prolific and stubborn herb, and low on soil.
So, I took it upon myself to reconstruct the entire garden as a donations-only project. I vowed not to put a single penny of my own into the project, and in fact, not a single cash donation was ever used during its construction. The entire project was built from the generosity of local businesses in Healdsburg and Windsor.
Countless hours and late nights were spent tearing out mint, shoveling and sifting soil, cutting lumber, and securing donations. Along the way, I had help from countless individuals and businesses who shared my vision. The “Healdsburg District Hospital Vegetable Garden Revival Project” is not about me or the garden; it is about the magic that is possible when we ask for help. It is about the abundance all around us when we share with one another. And how, when we come together as a community, dreams can come true.
I will spare you the finer details of the project and skip to the important part; the people who helped:
Trina: She was the first person to show me the garden, share its story and help with dirt removal. She was instrumental in connecting me with the right people at HDH and organizing the initial phases of construction.
Engineering: Mike, Mike, Rick and Tony provided much-needed tools, muscle, and safety cones. They removed stubborn nuts and bolts so that the new construction was safe and they picked up the lumber from Healdsburg Lumber Company.
Human Resources: Thank you for providing me with the guidance and necessary paperwork to secure donations.
Burgess Lumber: The hardware, lattice, and nearly all of the redwood (over $700 worth) were donated and delivered by the wonderful folks at Burgess Lumber. This project would have not been possible without them.
Healdsburg Lumber Company: Due to unanticipated changes to the garden bed design, I desperately needed a half dozen extra pieces of lumber. The guys and gals over at Healdsburg Lumber Company came to the rescue.
SBI Building Materials: These guys donated the organic soil. Unfortunately, I didn’t have a better way to transport it; they offered me more than what I could load into the trunk of my Corolla. You’ve probably seen their billboard on the 101.
Garrett Ace Hardware in Windsor: These wonderful people in Windsor donated half of the vegetable starts, including most of the tomatoes and kale, as well as the climbing peas for the lattice. They also have a great selection of Yeti coolers. While you’re there, walk next door to SBI (above) and get your mulch delivered. Prickett’s Nursery in Healdsburg: I was on a camping trip when I received a phone call from the friendly folks at Prickett’s offering to donate to our cause. They provided the other half of the starts, including the eggplants, more kale, more tomatoes, bush beans, and all the onions. They have a beautiful nursery filled with every vegetable you can think of as well as a great selection of flowers and other gardening supplies. While you’re there, you may spot their resident chickens “Luna and Miss Sue.”
Tony and Max: I came in on the weekend to cut the lumber (off-site, of course) and build the garden box when I heard a buzz saw in the distance. I followed the sound all the way to the physician suites across the parking lot to find Tony and Max installing flooring in one of the buildings. I asked if they could cut some wood for me, and just like that, these guys came to the rescue. Definitely the funniest people I met during this entire project.
Johnny: Thank you for providing moral support and your efforts in trying to get the concrete removed. To this day we still aren’t sure why there is a concrete ramp under the garden.
Jaime and Tony: Thank you for the first plant donation, a very lovely cantaloupe plant in the corner of the bed.
The FNS Department that will eventually use the harvest in the café (if allowed by law) and upper management for letting me take on this project.
Sean Egglestone was a registered dietitian at Healdsburg District Hospital at the time of the garden project.
