b'The October GardenBy Bridgette CrosbyO nce in a while, you meet someone who reminds you that life is precious and that is why we should treasure every moment andWe celebrated a 100 year old WWII garden as much as we can.Such is the case with Thurman Ashcroft,Veteran and lifelong gardener at Casa of Coolidge, Arizona. A lifelong gardener,Grande Ruins National Monument. I first heard about Thurman from a friend who asked me if I knew him. She stated that Thurman gives away everything heThurman with a hand-grows to people in the community. Shecarved and glazed also stated that he was a WWII Veteranceramic vase that I had and would be celebrating his 100thmade at home. birthday in September. We filled the vase This instantly reminded me of my father.with seeds and An avid gardener and also a WWII veteran, he would begardening tools. Military Moms awarded him a 101 this year, if he were still with us. A part of me wantedVictory Certificate, thanking him for his Army to do something special for Thurman.service in WWII. In addition, Bonnie Adams, a member of Desert Diggers and the owner of Inspired I told my friend that I would really like to surpriseSugar Bakery, made and donated several dozen Thurman for his birthday and recognize him for hisSnickerdoodle cupcakes and a vanilla cream garden-military service as well as his lifelong passion forthemed birthday cake just for Thurman. Other gardening. I asked her if she would help me arrangecommunity groups also recognized Thurman and gave a celebration for him, and luckily, Casa Grande Ruinshim a handmade quilt and military pins. As we approach Veterans Day, I urge you to reach out National Monument agreed to let us hold the gatheringand thank a veteran in your community. Volunteer your in their pollinator garden.When asked why he loves to garden, Thurman stated,time to make a difference in someones life, or maybe Gardening is good for you. It keeps you healthytake them some baked goods or share produce and seeds On the day of the celebration, Thurman drove himselfand humble. It reminds you that you cant controlfrom your garden. At the very least, plant a Victory and his son to the party and brought a fine selectioneverything. Mother Nature is the boss, but in a garden,Garden for fall and let it remind you of the sacrifices that of tomatoes, okra,you can relax. No matter what is going on in life,brave men and women have made for America. and zucchini that hegardening keeps you young. grew in his garden.Gardening, like military service, is an act of love and is He was welcomedI have always held veterans and military families in highdone for the greater community good. Every veteran in by a crowd of aboutregard. Perhaps I am biased since military service hasevery community deserves to be recognized, thanked, 50 people, includingdeep roots in my family. With three children currentlyacknowledged, honored, and remembered. Plant the family, friends,serving, sometimes it can be tough on the heart and onseeds of thankfulness in your family, and take your and communityyour mental health never knowing what will happenchildren and neighbors with you. organizations.next, especially when part of your heart is walking Desert Diggersaround in a war zone.Happy Digging! Garden Club and Military MomsGardening is an anchor that has also kept me in Queen Creekgrounded. It has been there for me during the worst and San Tanof times and the best of times. My garden has been a Valley hostedplace of refuge, where I can connect with the Earth, and arranged theshare my secrets with the bees, and reach out to my event. Desertancestors to ask for protection over my children and Diggers presentedthose who fight for our freedoms. VETERANS DAY: November 11 WREATHS ACROSS AMERICA: December 16OCTOBER PLANTINGS: After a scorching summer, if temperatures allow, October is a perfect time to plant potatoes, peas, peppers, jalapeos, tomatoes, zucchini, celery, carrots, beets, cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, herbs, onions, and lettuce. It is also a great time to plant trees and flowers and your own Victory Garden. Photos by Bridgette Crosby38 October 2023'