Milton Council on Aging Participates in Statewide Planting Day

Plant Something MA set out to have a planting project take place in every city and town in the commonwealth on Wednesday, May 15. A group participated at the Milton Council on Aging as they planted a vegetable garden behind the Senior Center.

Plant Something MA was a collaboration between the Massachusetts Flower Growers Association and the Massachusetts Nursery and Landscape Association. 

Deborah Trickett, Milton resident and owner of Captured Garden, a garden design company that specializes in container gardens, was asked by the Massachusetts Nursery and Landscape Association to organize an event in Milton.

Trickett's first thought was the Council on Aging. "I love Mary Ann [Sullivan, COA Director] and the seniors are wonderful," said Trickett.

Trickett and her son brought their expertise, helping seniors and COA staff plant tomatoes, parsley, thyme, lettuce, beans and other produce.

The garden was planted in an elevated bed behind the Senior Center. The planter was donated to the Council on Aging in honor of Linnea Mellen, an avid gardener and active senior who passed away in 2011.

Sullivan said they planted a smaller amount of vegetables last year and allowed seniors to take the harvest for free.

"It's such an addition," Sullivan said of the garden. Tomatoes from the garden are also expected to be used during a cooking demonstration from Milton chef Connie Spiros this summer.

Besides the garden, Trickett planted flowers in front of the COA. She also did plantings at Fuller Village.

Trickett was in advertising before taking time off to have children. "I've always loved gardening," said Trickett.

She turned that passion into a business eight years ago. 

Trickett specializes in container gardens that utilize unique flowers. She also designs gardens for her clients.

Learn more about the Captured Garden at thecapturedgarden.com. Learn more about Plant Something MA at plantsomethingma.org/May15.