Episode #31 - Rita Munro joins Erin Davis from The Village of Arbour Trails in Guelph, a place she makes more beautiful simply by being there, sharing her outdoor expertise, and bringing people together to grow gardens and friendships.  

When Rita moved to the Village, she suggested a need for a garden outside the front of the Village.  Pitched the idea to Wendy, Director of Lifestyle Options, and everyone came together to make this happen.

Gardening advice from Rita. "Look at the plants/flowers that you really like and research its requirements.  It's not rocket science or difficult at all."

"Don't be intimidated by gardening because it not really a difficult thing at all." -Rita Munro

Rita worked in the operating room all of her career, in a high energy tense state all the time.  Coming home to her garden, her own little paradise to enjoy and let the tense or emotional feelings fade away.

"Anyone can benefit from time outside; a green pleasant smelling outdoor spot brings solace." -Rita Munro

From Medium.com:Those who garden regularly have the most benefits from the sensory experience- Exercise- Stress reduction- Decreased risk of dementia- Good dose of sunshine- pulling weeds can burn upto 400 calories an hour- critical thought which keeps you sharp

Featured Poem read by Lloyd Hetherington: God's Garden by Dorothy Gurney

Rita shares about her career as a nurse and how it began in Kingston and enjoyed every moment throughout her life. About her career as a nurse in the operating room, "everything that you are doing is helping someone, there's terrific team spirit, and clear organization." -Rita Munro

"So disappointing that people would use the locations of hospitals to protest trying to undermind this group of people that we need more than ever." -Rita Munro

On journalism, Rita has written a memoire: A snapshot of life in the depressionA story of growing up in the Ottawa valley to share with family

#ElderWisdom

"Patience is so important to going through life." -Rita Munro

"If you can divert your concern into something positive, reaching outside of yourself whenever possible." -Rita Munro

Is there a group you belong to?  (Coffee group, Discussion group)

"People don't retire from gardening, they retire to do gardening." - Erin Davis

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The Green Bench is a symbol of elder wisdom. Physically or virtually, the bench invites us all to sit alongside a senior, share a conversation, or give and offer advice.

It challenges the stigma seniors face; the ageism still so prevalent in society. It reminds us of the wealth of wisdom our elders offer and in doing so, helps restore them to a place of reverence.

"The greatest untapped resource in Canada, if not the world, is the collective wisdom of our elders." -Ron Schlegel

This podcast is brought to you by Schlegel Villages, retirement & long-term care homes in Ontario, Canada.

#ElderWisdom | Stories from the Green Bench is produced by Memory Tree ProductionsLearn more about our host, Erin Davis, at erindavis.comLearn more about co-host, Lloyd HetheringtonLearn more about #ElderWisdom at elderwisdom.ca