Growing Purpose at Old Farm Rockport
Old Farm Rockport is home to a growing collection of gardens, native plantings, and outdoor spaces that bring beauty and enjoyment to residents, families, and visitors throughout the year. Maintaining these gardens takes up a great deal of work, and every season we look for opportunities to improve existing spaces and create something new.
Two residents who have played an important role in this effort are Ed and Spencer.
Over the past few years, Ed has been a familiar presence in the gardens. This year, Spencer joined the effort and quickly took on a major project. Together, they have helped manage the gardens while finding enjoyment and purpose in the process.
One of Spencer's first projects was helping replace several aging raised garden beds. The work was far from easy. He helped remove the old structures, dig out nearly a foot of stone, backfill the area with soil, plant new ground cover, and spread mulch to prepare the beds for future growth.
For Spencer, the project was about much more than landscaping. He values being outdoors, smelling the flowers, and knowing he has helped create something that others can enjoy.
"I like digging," he says with a smile. "I like seeing the results when the work is done."
Ed and Leslie, Horticulture Manager
Ed and Spencer building gazebo
Spencer moving stone
The benefits extend far beyond the gardens themselves. Research and experience have shown that gardening can be especially valuable for people affected by brain injury. Gardening encourages physical activity, improves balance, strength, flexibility, and endurance, and provides opportunities to practice planning, problem-solving, and attention to detail. Working outdoors can reduce stress, improve mood, and create a greater sense of calm and well-being. Perhaps most importantly, gardening offers something many survivors seek: a sense of purpose and accomplishment.
At the end of the day, Ed and Spencer can step back and see the results of their efforts. They know they have contributed something meaningful to their community. Just last weekend Spencer and Ed helped a volunteer crew put together a new gazebo.
Their work helps make Old Farm a beautiful place to live and visit, while also providing personal satisfaction and pride.
We are grateful to Ed and Spencer for their enthusiasm, hard work, and willingness to help. The gardens look better because of them and Old Farm is a stronger community because of their contributions.
New gardens
Ed and Spencer, Old Farm residents in front of newly built gazebo