Building on a Strong Foundation - Elim Park

Freedom to Grow
Joe Gross and the Gardens
Joe Gross’ love of gardening can be traced back to
his childhood on a 55-acre farm in Branford,
Connecticut. Before selling the farm in 1952, Gross
Brothers, Inc. was the top vegetable grower in
Connecticut. “We pulled 1,300 quarts of
strawberries per day,” says Joe. The brothers
disbanded to pursue other avenues and Joe ended
up working for Pratt and Whitney. But he wasn’t
about to hang up his overalls. He continued
recreational gardening and later, he says, “When I
retired from Pratt & Whitney, I dedicated 26 years
to farming for charity. I worked with Bill Lidell of
Ashgrove Farm and we eventually harvested 40,000
pounds of food per year for the Connecticut Food
Bank.” Their efforts were recognized in a 1989
human interest story by Peter Jennings.
That’s why, after a lifetime of working the land,
Joe couldn’t imagine a home without gardening,
even though his wife, Ginny, admits they were
“ready to downsize” and lighten the burdens of
home maintenance. The choice didn’t come easy,
but the deciding factor was a first floor apartment
in Mallard Mill that came with an irresistible
gardening opportunity.
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Joe maintains the landscaping around the Mallard
Mill building and the CEO’s residence. Geraldine,
the Gross’ daughter, encourages her father’s
pastime with generous donations of bulbs for the
plantings.
Elim Park Place also offers garden plots to residents
who enjoy getting dirty and growing their own
flowers and vegetables. Joe smiles, “I have two
garden plots! This past summer, I donated parsley,
celery, tomatoes and cucumbers to the kitchen. I
even gave them my secret recipe for marinated
pickles.” And don’t think the chef didn’t take
advantage of it. Joe’s garden fresh vegetables and
marinated pickles were enjoyed by residents in Park
Place Dining Room.
As he dons his flannel shirt and worn-in work
gloves, it’s evident that Joe’s life’s work has
culminated here at Elim Park. The “Garden Doctor”
continues his mission. He heads out to plant the
last of the tulip bulbs. Only 600 more to go…until
spring.