On Tuesday afternoons in Portland, Oregon, residents at one senior living community are proudly reveling in the fruits (and vegetables!) of their labor at the residents’ weekly Farmer’s Market.

Rose Villa is a not-for-profit, active retirement community located on the banks of the Willamette River, offering cottage homes and a continuum of care from independent living to assisted living.  Unlike other area CCRCs that are located in high-rise towers, Rose Villa is comprised of single-story apartments, spread out over 22 acres.

The Farmer’s Market is a weekly affair for the resident gardeners of Rose Villa.  However, in this community, the garden was not conceived by the Rose Villa administration as something to keep the residents occupied; quite the contrary.  David Mayer, Public Relations Manager, explains, “The community garden is, and has always been, a resident-directed feature.”  Shortly after its opening some 50 years ago, the residents approached Rose Villa staff with an idea.  Just across the road from the main property where all the apartments were located sat two acres of vacant land, also owned by Rose Villa, which they wanted to develop into their own garden for growing fresh fruits and vegetables.

At that time, the administration told the residents that they were welcome to use the property for gardening.  However, the Rose Villa Staff would be unable to offer any ‘official’ support for the project.  The residents were enthusiastic and went right to work.

Today it is evident that the resident-operated community garden has grown, and thrived, with very little assistance or intervention from the staff.  All plot organization, maintenance, and management is overseen by a resident garden committee.  Adds Mayer, “Our job as staff is to just help when they ask for it, and then stay out of their way!”

Whatever the growers don’t eat themselves, they are able to sell to other residents at the weekly resident farmer’s market. Or, they can donate their bounty to the main dining room.

The residents take pride in their work and enjoy sharing it with others in the community.  “It is pretty amazing to see the garden each summer,” admits Mayer.

For more information about Rose Villa Senior Living Community, please visit their website.