OXFORD – The New York State Veterans Home at Oxford will be having their first ever Red, White, and Bloom plant sale in support of the home's new therapeutic gardening program.

On Friday, May 1, from 10 a.m. To 2 p.m. at the front of the veterans home under the awning, you will find a selection of plants for sale that were hand seeded and grown by residents at the home. Including a variety of mother's day hanging flower baskets, several types of garden vegetables, tomatoes of all sorts of varieties, and herbs.

The therapeutic gardening program started this year under the home's sensory nourishment program. Lorrin Schorr, Occupational Therapist, at the veterans home helped in its creation and is coordinating operations. Brittany Weissman, Certified Therapeutic Recreational Specialist, the Home's recreational therapy team and Maintenance Department are instrumental to supporting it daily.

The gardening began in February when they had indoor greenhouses set up in each of the six neighborhoods at the home.

“My focus in the program is making it as functional, meaningful, and accessible as possible for our residents,” said Schorr, adding later, “it's for all ability levels. So I think we take pride that our residents with mobility limitations, or challenges with their hands, or cognitive impairments, everyone can participate in this program.”