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10.5.12

#TomatoBomb Louisiana



Dear Internet,

I need your help. I get a lot of weird comments and requests through my contact form on this blog. Most of them are demands for plants and seeds which I promptly ignore. After a few years of having an “open door” to the Internet you quickly become jaded at the hardship notes that accompany the requests for free stuff.

Today, I received the following message:
"hi my name is kevin .i live in a nuresy home. i am asking plesae for a little help. like a dontation of biggest tomato seeds. plesae. this would make some old people happy. plesae. address 417 industrial dr oberlin la 70655 ph 337 639 2934" 

I don’t know what it was about the message that made me Google the address and phone number to see if it was an actual nursing home. I don’t know what made me call the number, but I did.

“[Indecipherable] this is Karen.”

“Hi, my name is MrBrownThumb. I’m from the Internet.” [I always wanted to say that!]

“Did Kevin Email you something crazy?”

“Uh-I was just calling to confirm that a Kevin was a resident there.”

“Yeah, he lives here. We get calls from all over the place. He Emails everyone on the Internet.”

“He asked me for tomato seeds for a garden.”

[Laughing] “I swear we’re going to end up with a tropical rainforest back there because of him.”

“So there is a garden?”

“Yeah, there’s a garden out back. Don’t nobody care about that garden but Kevin. But he does have a garden here. Some of the nurse staff helps once in a while.”

“So, he’s legit?”

[Laughing] “He works our nerves, but he’s legit. The other day he came with his mom and a wheelbarrow of stuff for his garden.”

During the rest of the phone call I learned Kevin in a 45-year-old resident of St. Francis Nursing Home who uses his own money to plant a garden there, and spends his free time soliciting for free plant material. His requests for plant material and the reactions the staff get through phone calls is something they find great humor in.

So, I’m asking for your help to tomato bomb Kevin in Louisiana. I’m going to send him seeds, and I’ve put a request on Twitter and Facebook for someone in Louisiana to help me get him some actual tomato plants. Perhaps someone can even pay Kevin and his garden a visit and see if there’s anything else that could be sent to him that would be of use.

Now I’m turning to my garden blog in the hopes that maybe this request gets more attention and he gets the “biggest” tomatoes possible. I’ve never asked the Internet for anything, and I really need this right now. The magic of Caine’s Arcade is leaving me and I desperately need to see something good happen in this world.

If you would like to help fulfill Kevin’s seed request you can mail him some seeds at the address below, but I hope someone can get some actual plants too.

Kevin Gatte C/O St. Francis Nursing Home
417 Industrial Drive
Oberlin, LA 70655

If you pledge to send him seeds leave a message below. Ideally, any plants should come from within the state to avoid any issues with plants or soil crossing state lines. Similarly, some consideration should be taken in regards to the seeds sent so that something that is manageable in our area will not turn into an ecological disaster in Louisiana.

My #tomatobomb seed package consists of various tomato and basil seeds. I've included the 'Green Zebra' seeds I saved from a tomato I stole from the Cook County Jail that I've used to start the Chicago Seed Library with.

Update: The following have pledged to donate materials to the Kevin and his garden

Tomato/Flower Seeds

A Succulent Life
Bonney Lassie
In the Garden Online
The Garden Faerie
The Garden Hoard
@orgavsmecha
Between The Limes
Jenn's Gardening Spot
The Kat's Garden
Snarky Vegan
Science Museum of Virginia via @KatieGantt
Tiny Eden
Miss Lady Bug
CS Designer
From Austin 2 Texas
Mosquito Creek Farm
Bucket of Mud
From the Garden Bench
Tangled Branches: Cultivated
DeAnna Michelle
How Does My Garden Grow
Perennial Harmony Garden Shop

Garden Tools/Plants/Products

My Skinny Garden
Tuff Guard Garden Hose
Organic Mechanics Potting Soil
Burpee
Baker Creek Seeds
Question and Planter

Update 2: May 16th.

After a couple of comments this morning from nurses who work with Kevin I called the home again and spoke to Nurse Carol who commented below. I've learned that Kevin is in a wheelchair and has a few container gardens, and a raised bed Carol's husband helped build to make his garden more accessible.

They're going to work on getting us pictures of the garden. Nurse Carol says that the mood at the nursing home is one of excitement as they've been reading what you all have said below. In particular because Kevin had posted to another garden blog asking for seeds and was told, "It's the real world, stop begging and get a job!" I don't know what blog this happened at, and I hope to never find out. THIS is the real world and in the real world there are still good people willing to help out someone in need.

I'll update with pictures as they come in. Thank you to everyone who has offered to help.

101 comments:

  1. MBT - this is so awesome! I wish I knew more about his garden! I am planning on donating a small corded cultivator and a battery operated string trimmer this summer and I would totally send it to him if he could use it.

    I will send some seeds. Also, ROAD TRIP!

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    Replies
    1. HAHAHA! We get lost on road trips to the Chicago Botanic Garden, we'd probably end up in swamp visiting Kevin. But a road trip to see him and his garden would be great.

      Delete
    2. I suppose I should call them and ask if they'll except these tools, huh? It occurred to me that somebody could get hurt and that they may have rules about what could be stored there and used by residents.

      Delete
  2. I don't have any seeds, but visiting your blog today brought me much just, as I followed your link to Caine's Arcade...Thanks!

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    Replies
    1. Hi Teri,

      Glad you enjoyed that link to Caine's Arcade. It's my favorite thing of the year so far.

      Delete
  3. I will send Kevin some tomato seeds!!!

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  4. I'd love to send Kevin some tomato seeds. I saved a boatload at the end of last summer, it's great to hear about someone who can use them. It's so cool that something in his email made you stop and think, this might be a real person. I'm a bit of a seed hoarder, so please let us know if you find out about any other kinds of seeds he wants. It was a great sense of intuition that made you call.

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    Replies
    1. Alison, you can probably safely send some annuals too. Thanks for joining the tomato bombing of Kevin.

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    2. Nurse Carol1:05 PM

      He would be appreciative of any kind of seeds. He has quite the garden in progress. I'm not even sure he remembers all he's planted. This is his passion and it gives him something to look forward to and to occupy his time. Thanks so much to all of you!!

      Delete
  5. I will look through the stash and send Kevin some seeds as well. This is just awesome.

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    Replies
    1. Thanks Colleen! I'm sure he'd appreciate it.

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  6. Why do you post the most interesting stuff on the very days I'm offline visiting my mom? Huh?! That conversation is priceless. I'll send some seeds.

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    1. The hilarity of the conversation is not conveyed in text. When I hung up I wished I had recorded it before calling. Her accent really added to how funny the exchange was. The whole time I had to stop myself from yelling, "ZATARAIN'S!"

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    2. I actually heard the LA accents in my head when reading it. :)

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  7. I wonder if he would like a garden hose?
    The TUFF GUARD Fam!

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    Replies
    1. A garden hose never hurts. Please do send him one, Jim.

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  8. I will definitely be sending Kevin MANY tomato seeds! I've got plenty to go around!

    Amazing story too. Here's to Kevin's Garden!

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  9. “Hi, my name is MrBrownThumb. I’m from the Internet.” [I always wanted to say that!] <-- this made me chuckle :)

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  10. I've got some leftover tomato seeds from seed savers a few heirloom varieties. Would be happy to send. If you still want some people to do. I'm @orgavsmecha on twitter.

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    Replies
    1. Hi Cat, Yes, send him what you can. Thanks.

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  11. I've got sunflower seeds and plant stakes in an envelope to send, trying to find some other stuff....

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  12. Tomato Seeds and Manure Tea shipping out today

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  13. I will send him some seeds! Tomatoes and herbs , flowers and a few veggies! I hope he sends you pictures. Great idea MBT!

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    1. I sent him a note along with the tomato seed I sent asking him to send us pictures of the seeds and stuff he gets. Hopefully, he'll be able to do it. Thanks for pledging seeds!

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  14. Tried leaving a comment earlier but it was glitchy. Will send some seeds... probably flowers. This is cool!

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    Replies
    1. Glad the comment went through. Thanks for pledging some seeds for Kevin and his garden.

      Delete
  15. That is such a nice thing to do! If I wasn't in northern British Columbia I would definitely send some plants. Kevin's going to have an awesome garden.

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    1. Sara, It's the thought that counts! Thanks!

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  16. I have a garden shop in Northern California and carry Baker Creek seed...I'll send him some tomatoes for sure! Maybe some other things as well.

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    Replies
    1. I'm sure he'll appreciate it! Thanks for pledging the tomato seeds!

      Delete
  17. Anonymous10:24 AM

    I've got boatloads of tomato seeds! I'll pack up a bunch and send him. I do have that variety that was supposedly used for the Ripley's biggest tomato but I can't recall the name off the top of my head. I also have those fuzzy peach tomatoes. He should be able to start a seed library when all this is done.

    2 other notes:

    1. You stole a tomato from the Cook Country Jail? You live on the edge.
    2. You need a t-shirt with "HI, I'm MrBrownThumb, I'm from the Internet."

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yeah, he's going to need a seed organizer by the time I'm done strong-arming the Internet into sending him tomato seeds. Are you thinking of the 'Wapsipinicon Peach' tomato? I almost sent him some of those, but decided to send what he asked for and gave him seeds for larger varieties.

      Yeah, I steal seeds from all over the place. I'm going to at least make myself a button that says that if not one of those iron-on t-shirts. :0)

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    2. Anonymous10:38 AM

      Yep, the wapsipicicon peach. And also some rare things and some weird things as well as some large things. Maybe a blue tomato too if I still have any of those.

      Delete
  18. I just dropped some seeds in the mail. I run an urban farm at the Science Museum of Virginia, and this story touched my heart! This is wonderful!

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    Replies
    1. Katie, That's awesome that you're sharing seeds from the urban farm at the Science Museum. Thanks!

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  19. DeAnna Michelle12:34 PM

    Sure thing...I will send him seeds form all the plants that are doing good in my garden, although I live in Shreveport I am certain these seed should work as well for him!

    I apologize for asking for some of your Black Iris seeds...your photo just made me want to grow some too...still seeking seeds though.

    Happy to share some seeds,
    DeAnna Michelle

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    Replies
    1. Hi Deanne, I didn't see your comment about the black iris seeds as I'm kind of behind in a lot of communications. But I appreciate you helping out a gardener, so if the black iris does produce seeds I'll send them to you. ;0)

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  20. I love this story! I am sending a few packs of Big Boy and Beefsteak.

    Thanks for sharing!

    Miss Lady Bug

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  21. This is such an awesome story! I have some heirloom Moneymaker Tomato and herbs. I'll send them out in the post tomorrow morning.

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  22. Flower seeds from me. this is a great project. I live very near the Science Museum of Va and did not know they had a garden. Must visit and meet katie. Thanks for sharing this. You rock!

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  23. this is the greatest thing ever! i'm going to try to drop some seeds in the mail today for kevin. the internet can be so harsh and awful, but then there's things like caine's arcade and kevin's garden. thanks for making my day!

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  24. Novedlove7:43 PM

    From all the comments I read I can see this guy is going to have more tomato's then he can shake a stick at lol. This is so sweet of you to do MBT (:
    I've been reading your blog for quite a while, and I've gone through so many journals, haha I've made my own list of plants to grow from what I've seen. You've inspired me further into planting more, I just starting growing 3 weeks ago. Ah it's quite the site (: I transplanted a few plants into a garden as a mother's day gift for my mom.

    I'm so excited to see more of your posts (:

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  25. I just ordered some from Bakers for him. He should have some heirloom varieties! Beefsteak is coming!

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  26. I live in the New Orleans area and I'm going to be sending him some seeds from plants that are like weeds in my yard and garden.
    -sweet basil
    -thai basil
    -lime basil
    -dill
    -mojito mint
    -lantanna
    -begonia

    Also, my mom breeds day lilies in Mississippi, so I'll see if she'd be interested in sending him some of her specialized lilies.

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  27. Baker Creek Heirloom Seed Company is sending Kevin some seeds to grow giant tomatoes. Good luck to him.

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    Replies
    1. Nurse Carol1:12 PM

      He recieved your seeds today. Thanks so much for sending them!!!

      Delete
  28. Hi - We're sending him 4 tomato plants! Thanks so much for the INSPIRING story! It made our day!

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  29. My seeds are going out in today's mail. I'm sending Virginia Sweets, which produced my biggest tomato ever (2 lbs 3.6 oz.) and German Pink.

    Every time I've visited a nursing home, I always imagine how much a garden would improve it. Now's my chance to do something other than imagine.

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    1. Anonymous1:51 PM

      WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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  30. Anonymous12:32 PM

    I just want to say thank you to all of you. I am a nurse that works with Kevin at the nursing home. I have helped him set up his email account and such. He wanted me to tell all of you thank you so much for the seeds. He is so very appreciative!!! He came to my office just now to show me his first batch of seeds that came from Baker Creek Heirloom seeds. You all have made him a very happy person.

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  31. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  32. I have to say that my instant reaction to that email would have been the same - Googling to see if it was legit. But is all seriousness that is so sweet that they take it with humor and even help him. I'm so glad he is able to do that.

    I am sending Italian Ice tomato seeds for something different. They are cherry tomatoes but I think he'll like them just the same. And they're indeterminate so they'll still get big? :) I don't have the room to grow them and don't know anyone else who would so I'll love to know that he may grow them.

    I am also sending a couple varieties of cilantro. I want Kevin to be able to make tomato sauce AND salsa!

    ErikaJean
    How Does My Garden Grow?

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  33. Anonymous1:50 PM

    It's reassuring to know there are still good people in this world. I'm an employee at Kevin's facility and he is just over joyed. THANK YOU!

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  34. Great post, like always! I am very much impressed with your work..

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  35. Anonymous5:52 PM

    Good Job Kevin!!! How I remember how my Mom who was in a nursing home loved to go out to see the garden!!! She remembered all the things she grew at home. Wha a way to brighten your day and the days of other residents!!

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  36. I will be sending out a package for Kevin today. Lord knows I have plenty of seeds collecting dust. As every gardener knows, we always have something to share from the garden :)

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  37. I will be putting a package together for Kevin and sending it. Thanks for sharing this guys project.

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  38. I have given up trying to grow tomatoes on the Oregon Coast so I will send Kevin some to try.

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  39. Oh yeah. Kevin's definitely gonna get some of my excess stock of seeds. There's no point in my obsessively hoarding them.

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  40. Nurse Carol10:17 AM

    These are the people whom Kevin recieved seeds/plants from yesterday. He wanted me to tell you all how thankful he is and how much this all means to him. He is in my office checking this blog for comments ALL day. :-) I've never seen him this excited. Thanks to the following so far: Thatte from VA, Catherine from NY, Monica from MI, Katie from the Science Musuem ov VA, and Hirt's Gardens for the tomato plants. You are all making a big difference in the life/lives of alot of people. This has our whole home with an air of awe and excitement. Thanks so much!!!!!

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  41. what a lovely project, I don't know that I have tomato seeds, but I'll take a look around and see what I have that would do well in Kevin's climate, I know I overordered at JL Hudson's catalogue the other year, forgetting that I lived in a concrete-bound 25x125 Chicago property

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  42. PS. Mr Brown Thumb, You're bad to the bone stealing from the jailhouse, LOL.

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  43. I'm so happy to be stopping by and jumping into the tomatobombing of lousiana! I'll be sending Kevin and crew some Camp Wander Gardener's Moisture for his chapped tomato plantin hands! Organic and infused with essential oils...lavender, lemon and maleluca. Naturally antibacterial! I've shared on FB...hoping more people can join in the fun :)
    Rebecca
    www.campwander.blogspot.com

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  44. Aw, this is wonderful, MBT! I have quite a stash of seeds here, and I'll go through them tomorrow and send Kevin some. Not sure what I'll send yet, but I hope he enjoys them.

    Also, will be sharing this on my facebook page.

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    Replies
    1. I'm sending Kevin 9 pkts. of seeds - veggies, flowers, and gourds. Maybe the gourds can be used for art projects if the residents learn how to cure them so they'll last. If not they might be fun to grow anyway.

      Delete
  45. Nurse Carol4:01 PM

    Just wanted to update y'all on the other seeds Kevin recieved so far: Kat's Garden in CA, Christine Jarrell in CT, Bill Timmsen in MO, and W. Atlee and Co in PA. He couldn't be more happy. Working on getting some pics of what he has done with the garden so far. Thanks again!! Until you've worked in a nursing home you don't know how much the little things can mean to these people. Y'all have really blessed Kevin and those of us who work with him.

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    1. Is it too late to send Kevin some seeds? Sorry I didn't see this earlier. I actually have some seed bombs! Tomatoes, cucumbers etc.

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  47. Nurse Carol1:41 PM

    The seeds just keep coming for Kevin and he is as excited as ever. The following are the ones he recieved towards the end of last week and the beginining of this week: Burpee Garden in PA, Camp Wander in WY, and Lisa Potts in KY. He also recieved a beautiful solar fountain from serenityhealth and already has plans on where to put it. Thanks so much to everyone who has sent him seeds. He even has the rest of the home excited for him!!!

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    1. We're so glad to hear that Kevin liked the solar fountain!

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    2. Just gives me goosebumps! Thanks for putting this out there so we could get in on the fun!

      Rebecca
      Camp Wander

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  48. What a great post! Thanks, Mr. Brown Thumb, for sharing with all of us. Bonnie Plants has tomatoes on the way, as well as a fun tomato surprise. Our local Louisiana rep is arranging delivery this week. Also, I've shared with our friends at GrowBox.
    Way to grow, Kevin!

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  49. Anonymous5:36 PM

    Finally got my package together and it is waiting for the maillady to pick up in the morning. I'm sending all tomatoes:

    -Blue P20
    -Wapsipinicon Peach
    -White Currant
    -Delicious (which holds the record for largest tomato but typically is 2-3 pounds)
    -Sweet Pea (tiniest tomato I've ever seen and very sweet)
    -Marvel Stripe

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  50. This is such a wonderful and heartwarming idea! As I've always suspected you're a good egg, MBT!

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    1. A little cracked, but good. (Ha, just seeing if you're still checking replies.)

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  51. Nurse Carol2:16 PM

    Hello all!! Things have been crazy here but I wanted to update y'all with everything Kevin has been recieving. GrowBox from Louisiana, Tess from Chicago, a long handled weeder from Gina (which comes in very handy)and some seeds as well, and some tomatoe plants from Bonnie Plants in Alabama. I asked him the other day about pictures and he said "As soon as I get it all ready." Someone sent him a shirt that said something about I love tomatoes and so he had me order him a tomatoe hat as well. He is also waiting on the hat before the pictures are taken. :-) Thank you again and I will keep updating as he recieves items and get the pics when he is 'ready'. LOL!!

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    1. That's wonderful, Nurse Carol! Keep us posted. I hope he likes the "I say TOMATO!" t-shirt. He seems like the perfect model for it! We'd love to see photos of this garden...it's definitely GROWING! ~Mary Beth, Bonnie Plants

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    2. Hey, Nurse Carol. Has Kevin received a package from Brown Thumb Urban Farm? I sent it a couple weeks ago. If not, I'll put another package together and track it this time.

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    3. Nurse Carol2:45 PM

      Mrs Mary Beth--he loved the shirt. That's why I had to order him the hat. :-)

      @brownthumburbanfarm: I don't recall seeing anything with that name. He gives me all the envelopes and empty boxes so I can get on her and say thanks. I'll check with him to be sure. What was in it? I don't always have time to hop on here and check but you can always email me: nursingismypassion@yahoo.com

      Delete
  52. Anonymous10:06 PM

    Wow... if this made my day, I can't even imagine how it would make Kevin feel. I really wish I could send some seeds down there, but I live in Edmonton, Canada. I would love to see some pictures. If you sent him something, good for you, you made him very happy! Sorry I can't help.

    P.S.- When was this posted? I must have missed the date...

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  53. Nurse Carol2:49 PM

    6/13/12 Here is the latest list of things Kevin has recieved. He continues to be excited and asked me to tell everyone thank you from the bottom of his heart!!! Snarky Vegan in IL, blooming bulb co in MI, MEA nursery in TX, Peggy Green in FL,Gardening Arts.com, and Twilley Seed Co in SC. As I said in my post last week he is working on getting everything 'perfect' before we take the pics but they are coming. Thanks to everyone who has sent items. They are all much appreciated.

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    Replies
    1. Nurse Carol4:18 PM

      Ooppss...forgot 2: Comstock, Terre and Co from Conneccticut and Brushwood nursery in GA. Thanks!!!!

      Delete
  54. Nurse Carol2:57 PM

    Hello bloggers. :-) Kevin continues to get seeds/trees in the mail. He has expanded to sending letters. :-) He recieved some seeds from brown thumb urban farm and today had a delivery of a satsuma tree from about 4 hours away. He also got his first tomatoe off one of the plants someone from the blog sent him. He continues to tell me that his garden isn't ready for pics yet but I'll keep working on him.

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  55. Anonymous10:05 AM

    Good Morning, all the way from BC Canada. I love this story!!

    When my dad was in a nursing home he started to take over all the neglected raised beds. When I saw this I brought him 2 flats of plants from the greenhouse where I worked. Lots of people started doing this for him, after that. He called it "Flower Power" and the newspaper dubbed him the "Unofficial head Gardner"

    I cant wait to see your pictures of your garden, Kevin. I know that I can buy seeds that are specially packaged for taking over seas. I am on the hunt to find them, when I do they are coming your way! They might not be tomatoe plants though.

    Happy Planting, Maria

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  56. Nurse Carol1:11 PM

    Good afternoon Bloggers!! Kevin has now begun a mass mailing to all of local nurseries/greenhouses that he can find on the internet. Almost daily he recieves something for his garden. Today it was a tripod sprinkler from Rainforest Ecological Sprinkler company that he has been wanting. As we speak my husband is building him a stand for his solar fountain that one of y'all sent him. He has also recieved many garden tools and numerous plants and seeds. His area is really shaping up. I guess the reason I continue to update this blog is that everyone who sends him something renews some of my faith in society. Thanks so much to all of you!!!

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    Replies
    1. Carol, Thanks for the updates, I for one really appreciate them.

      Delete
  57. Nurse Carol3:07 PM

    Kevin is still recieving seeds. He now has enough to start next year. He has now begun writing/emailing fertilizer and plant food companies. He recieved some fish fertilizer that he could not keep in his room d/t the smell. :-) The people who have sent him things recently are the following: Neptunes Harvest, American Meadows, Farmer D organics, Ball Seed Company, and Twilley Seed Co. Our county fair is coming up this month and the Theme of the fair is Into the Future of Agriculture. Kevin will be featured on our float with some of his plants. I will try to get some pics of the float.

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    1. Nurse Carol,

      Having worked as a nurse in long term care for the majority of my nursing career (20 yrs) I very much appreciate what your facility is allowing Kevin to do. Being a "gardening junkie" as my husband calls me, it makes me happy to know that a fellow gardening junkie is allowed to garden even in a long term care facility. Our Activities Dept. had container gardens where the residents could plant their seeds and tend their own plants in the sunny activities room and they loved it!

      How large is the area he's allowed to plant outside? Wondering if he could use a blueberry bush or two?

      Laurie

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    2. Anonymous3:36 PM

      Nurse Carol - Bless you for all you have done to help Kevin and enrich the lives of all the residents. As a nurse who has worked in long term care, I can just picture the residents' faces as they watched the garden grow. The last post I see here is from September 2013 so I was wondering if you had any updates? Any needs for this summer?
      Nurse Jerilyn, Northern IL

      Delete
  58. This is one of the coolest things I've ever read about! I worked as a nurse in a nursing home and can only imagine the excitement this is bringing Kevin and the other residents as well as the staff. I will be sending seeds or something for his garden too!

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  59. Reading the earlier posts, I'm tickled at ya'll talking about our "Louisiana accents!" We don't have accents, ya'll do!!! :)

    Love this whole concept here of gardening at the nursing home!!

    And trust me, anytime I go anywhere else, folks just want to hear me talk!! lol

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  60. Hi Nurse Carol, Kevin found us as well:) Like MrBrownThumb we too googled to see if this was a legit request - we found your facility and this blog. GREAT JOB MrBrownThumb and all who are supporting Kevin. We are sending him our soil biology and mycorrhizal products. Have fun!

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  61. Hello all! I too received a request from Kevin. We manufacture Lawn & Garden wire products such as tomato cages, folding border fencing, etc. We too will be donating to Kevin's garden. Thank you, MrBrownThumb for enlightening us all.
    Kristine Kopecky
    Glamos Wire Products
    Hugo, MN

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  62. Hello my name is Chad and I am the Louisiana Territory Manager for Central Garden Distribution. I visited Kevin and St. Francis today and for those who are not sure, they are both real along with the nice nursing staff.

    A couple weeks back I was in a company meeting in Dallas and I received a letter addressed to our Pennington Alabama division. There was a hand written request for some of our branded Lilly Miller and Ironite fertilizer products. There was also a typed letter from nurse Carol. My company got me the product and I wrote Kevin back letting him know I would deliver it next time I was through the area, which I did today.

    To my surprise, when I met Kevin I recognized him as someone who I had worked with at a retail nursery some 10-15 years ago when I was in college in Lafayette, LA. He didn't remember me, but remembered working at the nursery. Small world.

    Kevin showed me the garden in back of the home which had vegetables in containers and raised beds along with some flower beds. I saw some of the donated product mentioned in the garden. I didn't get a chance to visit with the staff much, but the little interaction I had was very pleasant. Their actions of helping Kevin with his project speak volumes. I could only be so lucky when the time comes for me to end up in a facility where the staff is eager to help brighten their residences' day.

    I left Kevin with a couple caps and a smile on his face. Kudos to this blog for helping get the word out. The response inspires all.

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  63. Anonymous2:20 PM

    Kevin is still hard at work! Our Garden Center, The Barn Nursery in Cary, IL, received a similar letter today. He referenced your website in his letter which is how we found this post. Seeds are on the way! Happy to help out!

    Julie Joyce

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  64. Anonymous6:38 AM

    9/27/13:

    Hello ALL! I just can't believe this whole story... AMAZING!!! I'm a daylily hybridizer/large nursery owner in western NC, and have received at least 4 emails from Kevin since this past spring. Like MBT, I too Googled the nursing home address and checked it out... and called, but couldn't get info. I've donated to a zillion causes before... a pushover for such things, yet know that installing and maintaining perennials are two VERY different things to hope actually get done. The subject of "Kevin" came up on a large internet newsgroup I belong to, and it turns out a LOT of us in the "daylily world" had been contacted by him! Someone got lucky on a search, and found this blog and posted it to the newsgroup... now that we all know Kevin is legit, and has a WONDERFUL person like Nurse Carol helping out, I think he may be a VERY busy gardener!!! ;-)

    Nurse Carol: Is there still room for some daylilies in Kevin's garden? Does the nursing home have a tractor? ;-)

    THANKS SO MUCH to you ALL who have written, and taken part in this!!! At the very least, it's SO nice to know there's truly GOOD gardenin' people still out there!!!!!!

    Paul Owen
    Slightly Different Nursery, Polkville NC

    ReplyDelete
  65. Anonymous1:21 PM

    HI,THERE,KEVIN,FROM THE NURSING HOME.JUST WANT TO ASK IF ANYBODY HAS SOME OLD GARDEN TOOLS LAYING AROUND THEY ARE NOT USING.I WOULD APPRICATE IF YOULL COULD SENT IT MY WAY.I GUSS WHAT I AM ASKING IS A DONATION PLESAE.

    ReplyDelete

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