After six years in the making, the vision of having an on-site greenhouse at the Minnesota Veterans Home in Fergus Falls has become a reality.

On June 14, the Veterans Home held a dedication event to recognize the monetary support and advocacy of so many in the community who stood behind this project. The program included a welcome from Home Administrator Jonathan Stone and remarks from MDVA Deputy Commissioner for Veterans Healthcare Douglas Hughes, Public Affairs Director Gary Harris, Jr., retired Public Affairs Director Deanna Mounts, and Veteran Resident Gary Wigdahl. The Greenhouse Blessing was provided by Chaplain Paul Hohncke and music during the program was sung by local artist Dennis Johnson. A ceremonial ribbon cutting concluded the event.

The greenhouse is an impressive addition to the Fergus Falls Veterans Home campus. The building measures 32’ x 22’ and features a brick foundation with glass walls and ceiling to provide ample sunlight for the many plants that will take root and flourish there. The greenhouse features dual fan ventilation and interior manual and automatic timed regulated irrigation system.

More than 40 greenhouse donors that included both organizations and individuals were recognized at the event and were presented with a certificate of appreciation. “The generosity of the community was instrumental in the completion of this project,” said Harris. “We are so grateful for their support.”

Residents have already begun gardening in the new greenhouse, according to Stone. In addition to flowers, the Residents will also tend to vegetables that they can enjoy at mealtime.