Did you know that living in a life plan community does not mean giving up the hobbies you love?
At Well-Spring, residents can continue pursuing their passion for gardening through one of the community's most colorful and popular amenities – the raised garden beds.
For residents Sandy Cook and Ann Doyle, co-chairs of the resident gardening committee, gardening has been a lifelong tradition. The self-proclaimed "crazy plant ladies" share a garden bed where they grow flowers like zinnias, mandevilla and lantana.
"We both grew up gardening, so having the opportunity to continue that here means a lot," Ann says. "There is something special about getting your hands dirty, watching things grow and enjoying the beauty that flowers bring."
Located within a fenced garden area that is accessible 24/7, the raised garden beds provide residents with a convenient way to grow flowers and vegetables while enjoying time outdoors. With 40 beds available, residents have plenty of space to cultivate everything from tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, cantaloupe and squash to colorful flowers.
As co-chairs of the gardening committee, Sandy and Ann help assign garden beds each season to residents who sign up. According to the pair, the program has been so successful that Well-Spring has never had to turn away a resident who wanted a garden bed, and beds can be reserved at no additional cost.
One of the features that makes the gardens especially appealing is the support provided by Well-Spring's horticulture team. Team members help maintain the garden area, test and refresh the soil and ensure the beds remain in excellent condition, creating a low-maintenance experience for residents. The raised beds also make gardening more accessible by reducing the need to bend down while planting and tending flowers and vegetables.
"The horticulture team does such a wonderful job," Sandy says. "They take care of so much behind the scenes, which allows us to focus on the fun part – planting, growing and enjoying the garden."
The gardens also create opportunities for friendship and connection. Through the gardening committee, residents with shared interests come together, exchange tips and enjoy fellowship throughout the year. The group even hosts two garden parties annually, creating another opportunity to connect with neighbors.
Beyond growing plants, residents often use their gardens as a way to brighten someone else's day.
"I recently gave flowers from my garden to a neighbor who had recently lost her husband," Sandy says. "Seeing how much it meant to her made me realize that gardening is about more than plants. It's about sharing joy with others."
Whether you're an experienced gardener looking to continue a lifelong hobby or someone interested in trying something new, the raised garden beds are just one example of how Well-Spring makes it easy to stay active, connected and engaged while doing the things you love.