Making the transition to senior living can be difficult, but for many residents at Wesley Glen Retirement Community, knowing that they could continue to pursue their passions and interests was something that made the decision a little easier. Joan has always had a green thumb and a love for gardening. Before she moved to our community, she spent a lot of her time outdoors, tending to her home garden, and sharing herbs and vegetables with her neighbors and friends.
Once Joan joined us at Wesley Glen, our team learned about her desire to have a garden of her own and introduced her to Chacey Lane – an entire row of gardening plots right on campus. Without a moment’s hesitation, Joan reserved her space and now her garden blooms with basil, oregano, green peppers, parsley, mint, and black cherry tomatoes, just to name a few! She also loves to help other residents with their gardens and often, offers tips and tricks, and of course, an extra set of hands.
When Joan isn’t cooking her own meals with the herbs and vegetables she grows, she finds a lot of joy in sharing with her Wesley Glen neighbors and our Executive Chef, Kevin. On a regular basis, Chef Kevin holds educational and entertaining cooking demonstrations and sometimes, uses Joan’s garden for ingredients. He recently did a pesto demonstration and Joan’s basil was the star of the show!
Especially during our current situation, Joan said that being able to spend time outside again tending to her garden has been a blessing. She weeds and cares for it several times a week and enjoys admiring the other residents’ gardens along the lane as well. Joan expressed that she is happy to live at Wesley Glen and her garden adds a wonderful addition to her new home.
