Cultivating Joy: Gardening in a Senior Community
Cultivating Joy: Gardening in a Senior Community
At Homestead Village, we believe that every season brings new opportunities to grow—not just in life, but in our gardens too! Our retirement community with gardening offers residents a chance to stay active, connect with nature, and build meaningful friendships through the shared love of plants.
The Benefits of Gardening for Seniors
Gardening isn’t just about soil and seeds—it’s a gateway to health and happiness. Whether tending to vegetables, flowers, or herbs, residents in our senior community with gardening experience:
- Physical Activity – Gentle movement and fresh air contribute to better mobility and overall health.
- Mental Wellness – Gardening is proven to reduce stress and promote relaxation.
- Social Connection – Working side by side with fellow residents fosters friendships and community spirit.
A Flourishing Community
Homestead Village is one of the few Life Plan Communities that permits residents to embellish the gardens around their campus homes. Residents enjoy the beauty and individuality that personalized gardens bring to their neighborhoods. There are also on-campus opportunities to cultivate a personal vegetable garden or work with volunteers in the Seeds of Hope garden which benefits a local food pantry. From vibrant flower beds to fresh organic vegetables, our gardens reflect the passion and care of our residents. Additionally, regular garden workshops, seasonal planting events, and garden socials create an environment where every resident feels engaged and inspired.
Environmental Action Resource Committee: Growing a Greener Future
Beyond individual gardening efforts, Homestead Village is home to a passionate Environmental Action Resource Committee—a group of residents dedicated to sustainability and environmental stewardship. Through education, advocacy, and hands-on initiatives, the committee works to make our retirement community with gardening more eco-friendly.
- Organizing composting programs to reduce waste
- Promoting native and pollinator-friendly plants
- Hosting discussions on water conservation and organic gardening
- Leading community-wide efforts to maintain green spaces
- Hosting Earth-Day Activities
- And More!
Their commitment ensures that our community not only enjoys the beauty of nature but also nurtures it for future generations. Gardening becomes not just a hobby, but a meaningful contribution to a healthier planet.
Seeds of Hope Garden
2024 was an amazing year for the Seeds of Hope Community Garden! The dedicated volunteers, including many Homestead Village residents, cultivated, harvested, and donated over 1,220 pounds of fresh produce to the Hempfield Area Food Pantry, helping to serve 1,685 people. This group is always seeking additional volunteers and is a great way for residents to get involved.
Soil for the Soul Gardening Group
The ‘Soil for the Soul’ gardening club meets throughout the year to enjoy gardening-related activities combined with fellowship and education. In addition to flower arranging and gardening instruction, the group has made lavender sachets, organized tomato tasting events, planted succulent gardens, and is also frequently involved with the Environmental Action Resources committee with regards to enhancing resident and community gardens with local native pollinators.
One of the larger events put on by the Soil for the Soul group and Homestead Village’s Life Enrichment Office is the annual “Gardens of Homestead Tour.” During this event, residents meandered through our five neighborhoods to sixteen garden stops, enjoying refreshments and music along the way. Homestead Village is unique because residents are welcome to embellish their household gardens, which many do quite beautifully.
Town and Country Garden Club of Lancaster
The Town and Country Garden Club of Lancaster meets regularly at The Bachman Center at Homestead Village. While not a Homestead-Sponsored group, many of our residents enjoy participating in this club and it’s exciting events. Their theme for 2025 is “Growing with plants grows community” and they look forward to celebrating the 70th anniversary of the club next year. The club’s meetings are usually held on the first Wednesday of the month, March through December, at 7 p.m., and visitors are welcome! Email info@townandcountrygardenclub.net to learn more.
Get Your Hands in the Soil with Us!
Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting, Homestead Village welcomes you to be part of a thriving senior community with gardening. Join us in nurturing nature while enjoying the countless rewards of gardening.
Are you ready to grow with us? Visit our gardens and see how beautiful life can be in a retirement community with gardening!