Excerpt from article in The Wave…

JASA resident Klara Dzhurayeva enjoys the gift of nature and vegetation multiple times a day. She said “it gets her away from all her problems.” Photos By Patricia Hannan

Jack Carman, a New Jersey State Licensed Landscape Architect, designs therapeutic outdoor environments that include JASA’s on Beach 19th Street. “Why are we denying seniors the opportunity to get outside?” was the question that inspired him to this line of his career. Hospitals, he said, are usually uncertain about bringing in a garden, “but here at JASA, it was a no-brainer.”

Carman acknowledged the benefits of a community garden for seniors: reducing stress, providing a place to socialize, exercise, and Vitamin D from the sunlight that helps them sleep better. The pathway grounds are made from recycled material as well as the non-porous chairs that can be kept outdoors in any weather.

“Community gardens are definitely becoming more popular,” said Carman.

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