Submitted
Don Gawne was the mastermind behind the whole gardening operation at Joseph Creek Care Village in Cranbrook.
This gardener truly helped to acquire a true sense of community. He shared his knowledge and inspired other residents to grow their own plants. Don really encouraged residents to get up and get moving, not through his words but his drive and ambition.
Don was not the only one involved in Joseph Creek's great gardening season. He had staff involved from all departments and even motivated family members to help out with watering when they came to visit. Many different people reminisced about their farms back home and the progress of the crops on the Mt. Stevens Deck Garden; it was the talk of the care village.
Don grew up on a farm in Creston, where he learned as a child the ins and outs of gardening. He says they had to farm in those days as there was no McDonald's or Wendy's around.
Don's friend Paul assisted him in many jobs like hauling dirt and fixing the planters with Daryl, the maintenance crew, and other staff. Paul even helped to water the plants while Don was away. They managed to turn gardening into an inclusive comedic event for other residents to watch while they tinkered away at the planters with their tools.
The project may have been independently driven but Don was happy to share this project with everyone, It became not only his project but "The Care Village Summer Project." As Don sits back he says "Who ever thought it would turn out like it did?"