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For Marilyn and Becky, gardening at Royal Park Place is more than an activity; it has become a meaningful part of their lives and a source of friendship. Their connection started through their shared interest in working with plants and the desire to find purpose in their daily routines.
Becky’s passion for gardening began early, learning from her mother and later earning a degree in horticulture after taking classes in Niles, Michigan. Marilyn also developed her love for growing things as a child, selling vegetables around a lake with her twin brother during the summer. After retiring, she turned her home’s driveway into a display of flowers that attracted attention from passersby.
Both women eventually moved to Royal Park Place under different circumstances. Despite facing challenges related to aging and health, they found that tending to the community garden provided healing and gave them something meaningful to do.
“I’m not one for bingo,” Becky said. “I needed something that felt meaningful. The garden gave me that.” Marilyn added, “Gardening just puts life back into me. It gives me something to care for.”
The two now support each other and help fellow residents as well. Marilyn is known for assisting others in getting around the facility: “I always say I’m glad to be on this end of the wheelchair,” she said. “It’s a joy to help.” She also finds fulfillment by knitting baby blankets for ministry work: “That’s my ministry,” she says. “To give.”
Becky spends time baking pies and watching ducks from her balcony while tending plants. She has discussed possibly offering classes about choosing suitable flowers for different conditions: “We even talked about offering a little class to help residents pick out the right flowers—shade versus sun, that kind of thing,” Becky said.
Both women describe Royal Park Place as more than just a residence.
For Marilyn, it is “more than a residence. It feels like home to me,” she said. “I love this place—the atmosphere, the people. We have good dinners, good entertainment, and birthday celebrations. It’s so nice for people who don’t get out much.”
Becky agreed: “The entertainment, the celebrations—those little things really matter,” she said. She values evening worship services as well: “The pastors are great, the music is beautiful.”
They remain active within the community—Marilyn sings at services while Becky enjoys worship sessions and appreciates staff members like Sarah in the exercise room. Both also rely on transportation assistance provided by Royal Park Place when shopping or running errands: “I love that they take us to the grocery store and Dollar Tree,” Marilyn said.
Marilyn credits her faith with guiding her positive outlook: “I ask God to bless me and bless others. And then I tell Him—I ask God to make me a blessing for somebody else too.”
