Crest Haven Nursing and Rehabilitation Center Dedicated Front Gardens

COURT HOUSE — The perennial gardens that decorate the front of the Crest Haven Nursing Home will forever be named after longtime resident, Luphemia Greaves, who spent hours on the front porch admiring them and learning about the names of the flowers and herbs planted and cared for by the Cape May County 4-H Youth Development Program.
Friends and family of Ms. Greaves joined Administrator Linda Thornton, Freeholder Director Gerald Thornton and Freeholders Kristine Gabor and Will Morey in a brief ceremony on June 25 at the Center at 12 Moore Road in Cape May Court House to formally dedicate the front gardens in her memory.
The ceremony also recognized the tireless work of Linda Horner of the 4-H Youth Development Program who has tended the gardens during her leisure time, with help from 4-H youth and Rutgers Cooperative Extension Master Gardeners. The gardens that measure approximately 50 ft. and flank each side of the main door of the Center (dubbed the front porch) are filled with native plants that attract butterflies and other pollinators, such as milkweed, sedum, fennel, yarrow, Joe pye weed and Hummingbird mint to name a few.
“The perennials were chosen because of the caterpillars, butterflies and beautiful insects that will be drawn to them. I know the gardens will provide hours of enjoyment for residents and their families,” said Horner.
“We cannot thank Linda enough for the tireless work she does, on her own time, to make our “front porch” so beautiful for the residents. Many of our residents miss that about their homes – relaxing on their front porch looking at their flower gardens. Linda has made that possible for our residents again,” said Administrator Linda Thornton.
The gardens’ project has received generous donations from two local VFW posts. Commander Joseph Orlando of North Wildwood VFW Post #5941 and Commander Bill Howard from the Villas’ Lt. Charles “Buddy” Lewis VFW Post #5343 were present at the dedication ceremony and honored for their contribution.