Edgmere senior inspires gardening renaissance

When Pat Powers decided to spruce up the gardens around Edgemere Senior Center, she didn’t expect to initiate a project that would generate interest not only among center members but also from the surrounding Edgemere community.

Powers has inspired more than a dozen fellow Center members to form a Garden Club to share in designing and tending the extensive flower beds. Center gardeners pitch in with the planting, as well as the watering and weeding around the Baltimore County senior center on North Point Road.

Club members, some of whom hadn’t gardened in years, have even volunteered to do some of the never-ending gardening chores in evenings and on weekends. They have readily donated flower plants, bulbs and cuttings, in addition to vegetable plants that include an array of tomatoes, peppers, eggplants and melons — soon to be free for the picking.

There’s a flower station inside the Center’s entrance where folks are invited to grab a pretty decorated jar and scissors to cut a bouquet to take home or to brighten someone’s day. Providing this outlet to members at no cost means everyone can benefit without restrictions due to budget constraints.

This small act puts a smile on the recipient’s face and lets the giver feel good to witness the happiness it brings to the day. In addition, fresh flower bouquets can be seen throughout the Center most days.

Comments like “the garden looks great” and “good job” are Powers’ rewards.

“I’m only one person among the many seniors at our Center and in the Edgemere community,” she said. “All of us have in common the love for beautiful plants and flowers and the rewards they bring. It’s a true joy to be involved in creating this beautiful space that warms many hearts just by its existence.”