When she moved to The Evergreens retirement community in Moorestown a year and a half ago, Joanmarie Rowland still had the opportunity to do something she loves, gardening with friends.
Rowland wanted to throw a special party centered on that hobby. The campus’ executive director, Robyn Crandall, was immediately on board, and with the help of staff and members of The Evergreens’ Resident Garden Committee, the campus held its first annual garden party last month.
“Try, try, try again and never give up, because the seasons aren’t always good,” Rowland said on May 29 of the advice she would give fellow gardeners. “But to this season and today, this beautiful day we have here today, it’s been wonderful.”
Guests strolled through the gardens, met resident gardeners and enjoyed a taste of Evergreens’ honey, produced with the community’s on-site beekeeping. The party also highlighted opportunities for community involvement and sustainability initiatives, including partnerships with the New Jersey Beekeepers Association.
The Evergreens’ community garden currently has 20 plots, with residents growing everything from herbs, fruits and vegetables to flowers and plants. Rowland primarily plants tomatoes, Zinnias and Cleome (often called spider flowers), but her specialty is sunflowers.
“They’re happy, they attract birds and you’re not only enjoying them (sunflowers) yourself, but you’re feeding nature,” explained Rowland, who enjoys the quiet and solitude of gardening. “And we want to take care of our environment, for sure.”
She also believes her hobby brings her closer to God.
“I really truly believe that Jesus, he comes into your life and he has a plan for you, because it’s not always easy moving into a community when you’ve gone from a single home, and his plan is always the right one,” Rowland said. “ … God does provide …
“I truly feel like family here,” she added. “I feel like my family is here. (Everyone) is so appreciative of any little thing and I was really happy that The Evergreens supported us and provided for us … making sure that they are kind to us.”
The Evergreens’ resident gardens are more than about planting flowers and food: They create opportunities for wellness, purpose and connection. Residents take pride in maintaining their own plots, and the first annual garden party is an opportunity to encourage new participation and expand that sense of ownership and stewardship.
The gardens also connect The Evergreens to the larger Moorestown community through education and volunteerism. While the community’s culinary services doesn’t currently use vegetables from the residents’ gardens, the township campus is planning a future collaboration involving fresh herbs grown in the garden to create a meaningful farm-to-table experience and honor the residents’ efforts.
“I like the peace and quiet,” offered garden chairman Jack Kolb of the tranquil space. “We have a lot of fun, but the serenity of this place is what’s so beautiful. And it’s quiet and nice, and just to get out of your apartment and sit down and breathe in the air … it’s outstanding.
“It’s the one place where we, as residents, have as ours.”
The Evergreens’ first annual garden party provided a new opportunity to expand a sense of ownership and stewardship among residents.
