Ninety-four-year-old Peggy never imagined she would become a gardener. But this summer, there she was in the sunshine at ACC Senior Services, tending to her very own plot for the first time. "I'm so glad to get my mom out here," said her daughter Sharon, who helped Peggy get started. "At home she was sitting too much. She loves getting out in the sunshine and seeing how each plant is progressing."

Tucked behind ACC Senior Services at the far end of the field, a community garden has taken root where 45 seniors grow vegetables, herbs, and flowers together in nearly 30 plots. You will find everything there: corn and tomatoes next to flowers, herbs, and melons stretching across the beds. But the real harvest here is something that cannot be measured in pounds or bushels.

Eight raised dark-green planters sit at the front of the garden, built at a comfortable height so gardeners do not have to bend over. These planters help keep the program open to people with mobility challenges or physical limitations. The gardeners themselves are a remarkable group. Two participants are over 90 years old, and six gardeners are blind or have low vision.

Laverne has been partially blind for about three years. She calls her experience "vision without sight." With a volunteer is nearby to help with digging holes and watering, Laverne planted tomatoes and checks on them by touch. She says gardening makes her feel happy and encouraged because it reminds her that she can still do something she loves, even without full sight. Another blind gardener was thrilled last year when she got to feel a fully grown ear of corn on the stalk.

Every person makes their plot their own, with a unique way of growing and caring for their plants. The garden gives participants a reason to get outside, stay active, and connect with others. While each gardener tends their own space, many look forward to sharing some of their harvest with ACC social groups and fellow participants. The friendships formed here are just as important as the tomatoes.

If you are interested in joining the garden this fall, reach out to ACC Senior Services program staff for more information.