National Flower Day

March 21st is National Flower Day, a time to appreciate the simple beauty of flowers and how they make people feel. It's no accident that National Flower Day occurs at the beginning of spring - a season of awakening, rebirth, and blooming in literal and metaphoric ways. 

Easy Planting Tips for Seniors

For older adults and retirees who enjoy gardening, spring is the perfect season to get those hands in the dirt! Gardening for seniors offers both relaxation and purpose, especially in a supportive senior living environment. According to Moon Valley Nurseries, March through May is considered “prime time” for planting warm-season vegetables and herbs. It’s also a great time to plant annual flowers that will give the garden some color. These include petunias, marigolds, and zinnias. These beautifully vibrant flowers are ideal for senior-friendly gardening, as they can be easily planted in pots or hanging baskets — perfect for patios in independent living communities.

When planting flowers for spring, The Home Depot offers the following easy tips: Select plants with healthy foliage and a few flowers; avoid discolored, spindly, or wilted ones. 

• Pay attention to sun exposure guidelines. Choose plants suitable for the amount of sunlight the garden or area receives. 
• Before planting, prepare the garden bed by working in organic matter with a spade (at least one inch worth). Loosen the soil at least 12 inches deep for annuals and 18 inches for perennials. 
• Smooth the soil with a ground rake. 
• Remove the plants from their pots, carefully maintaining as much of the root ball as possible. Plant flowers at the same soil level as they were in their container. 

Mulch the garden bed with one to three inches of aged wood chips, bark, grass clippings, or other organic matter. This will suppress weeds, conserve moisture, and prevent soil-borne diseases. 

While National Flower Day comes but once a year, flowers can be enjoyed nearly all year round - and gardening offers a bouquet of benefits. An article on the Mayo Clinic Health System website lists the perks of gardening, such as: 

• Increased exercise - Gardening encourages movement, which can help boost daily physical activities. 
• Improved diets - When people plant fruits, vegetables, and herbs they can eat the fruits of their labors!
• Time in nature - "Getting outdoors is good for your physical and mental health. Spending time outdoors has been shown to reduce heart rate and muscle tension. Sunlight lowers blood pressure and increases Vitamin D levels." 
• Reduce stress levels - Gardening is one of many wellness activities for seniors that can reduce stress and boost mood — both physically and emotionally.
• Social connection - Gardening brings people together, and social connectivity is important! It can help lower stress, improve resilience, and provide support during difficult times. 

Join Us in Celebrating the Seasons

Fellowship Square Historic Mesa has beautiful gardens throughout its property that residents maintain. Looking for a fresh new hobby this spring? Why not join the gardening club? They are always looking for new members to help out.    

As we celebrate the beauty of flowers and the joy they bring to our residents, National Flower Day is just one of many meaningful moments that make life at Fellowship Square Historic Mesa so special. If you or a loved one are looking for a vibrant, caring senior living community that nurtures connection, creativity, and wellness, we invite you to come see it for yourself. Schedule a tour today to see how our residents thrive with enriching activities like gardening, community events, and more!