Summer’s in Bloom at The Normandy

Barbara Fuller shows off the first of the season’s harvest in the resident garden.

Summer is in full bloom at The Normandy in Rocky River.

The Normandy Resident Gardens are an attractive feature other senior communities do not have. The gardens make The Normandy unique.

For residents there, the gardens represent a space to express their creativity as well as enjoy the feeling of having their own yard.

“It’s hard to say goodbye to your home and all of the love you put into your garden, so having the personal garden space is an added amenity to someone who loves to play in the dirt,” says The Normandy’s Tracey Swisher. “At the present time, we have 19 gardeners with spaces. Not all grow fruits and veggies, some grow flowers and have even transplanted flowers from their former homes.”

: Carolyn Rowland is one of The Normandy resident gardeners who enjoys getting her hands a little dirty in exchange for some homegrown nature’s beauty. She and her husband, John, are experts in bringing summer’s colorful glory to life.

: Rosemary Schwartz

Resident Barbara Fuller says, “I like it because of the exercise, the company and the fresh air.”

“I try to get out at least a few times each week. I enjoy watering the garden and I always meet a friend down here,” added Rosemary Schwartz. Richard Walther, a career man with CEI, said a garden is something he never had. “I didn’t have time for a garden when I worked,” he said.

Each Spring, The Normandy offers garden spaces with a new registration so new residents have an opportunity to partake if they choose to sign up.

“We have ground beds and also raised beds along with an irrigation system for watering,” adds Swisher. “There is also a shed for supplies along with a garden trellis with a table and chairs. All around, a lovely place to spend an afternoon!