At Wesley Gardens in Montgomery, Alabama, a quiet transformation has taken root—literally. Where an old shuffleboard court once sat, rows of raised garden beds now bloom with vibrant flowers, lush vegetables, and something even more meaningful: joy, purpose, and connection for the residents who tend them.
The garden project—ten raised beds from VEGO Garden—was more than a landscaping upgrade. It was a labor of love, a carefully cultivated vision brought to life by Life Enrichment Director Teresa Messick. “When I first got here,” Teresa said, “there were just five flower beds in the back, with no organization and some confusion over who could use them.” Inspired by the idea of making gardening more accessible, Teresa proposed converting the old shuffleboard court into a garden oasis, complete with raised beds designed for all mobility levels.
After presenting her dream to the Wesley Gardens Auxiliary, Teresa’s plan took root. The Auxiliary raised funds for the beds, VEGO Garden offered a wholesale rate, and soon, a new chapter of gardening began—one marked by shared joy and community pride.
Residents signed up through a garden club lottery system, pairing up to co-host garden spaces. And what they’ve grown is more than just tomatoes and tulips.
A Harvest of Happiness
“The gardens are so very, very special to us,” said resident Clara Jehle. “We think of them as our children now.” With over 30 kinds of flowers, the beds are a magnet for butterflies and birds, and soon, everyone hopes, hummingbirds too. “It’s been a wonderful experience, getting outside in the cool of the morning, enjoying God’s nature.”
Margaret Oliver, who grew up on a farm, took a different approach—and an early one. “I planted before Good Friday,” she confessed with a grin, against the staff’s advice. “In the South, you have to plant before Good Friday. There are reasons for that.” Her instincts paid off—her garden was the first to flourish, overflowing with tomatoes, peppers, and flowers. “I’ve had a few nice ones—what the squirrels didn’t get!” she laughed. “But I’ve really enjoyed it. It gives me something to look forward to every day.”
Margaret’s daughter often visits to help with trimming when “the garden is about to take over the whole place,” and together they’ve harvested plenty to use and share. “I just hope it’ll keep going. It’s making the small tomatoes now more than the large ones.”
Digging In and Growing Together
Teresa organizes a weekly “Garden Work Day” to help with tasks residents might not be able to handle alone, but otherwise, the gardens are fully resident-led. “They plant it, they water it, they harvest it,” said Administrator Randy Allen. “We just step in to assist when needed.”
That sense of ownership is exactly what Teresa hoped for when she carefully designed the layout. “The beds are tall enough for residents to garden while sitting on their rollators,” she explained. “They can reach everything without stepping into mud or uneven grass. It’s clean, it’s safe, and it’s easy to access from the courtyard.”
Even shopping for plants became part of the fun. Wesley Gardens arranged a trip to Home Depot so residents could pick out their own seeds and starter plants. Now there’s talk of starting seeds earlier next year—and even experimenting with cool-weather crops like collard greens and turnips this fall.
“We’ve learned some things along the way,” Teresa said with a laugh. “Like not to plant indeterminate tomatoes unless you’re ready to wrestle six or seven-foot vines! But it’s all part of the joy of learning and growing together.”
Rooted in Community
The VEGO Garden company has taken notice, often sharing photos of Wesley Gardens’ flourishing beds on their social media. But the real reward is seen every day—in the smiles of residents, the sense of purpose they carry, and the moments of connection that bloom in every bed.
For the residents of Wesley Gardens, these garden beds are more than soil and stems. They’re daily invitations to step outside, breathe deep, and watch something beautiful grow—together.