From Soil to Soul: The Promise of Gardening

Nothing says goodbye to winter like the first shoots of green emerging from the ground. This time of year, daffodils, crocuses, snowdrops and other early perennials remind us that the cold, hard earth will soon give way to a rebirth of color, creation and comfort for the soul.

Perhaps Audrey Hepburn said it best: “To plant a garden is to believe in tomorrow.” Indeed, a garden springs hope.

Gardening Through the Ages

One of the most dramatic and impactful changes in human society was the ability to control food supply in ways not previously possible. In the Neolithic Era, over 11,000 years ago, people made the life-altering discovery that cultivating plants was the key to survival. Thus, societies shifted from competitive hunting and gathering to collaborative food production.

In 3,000 BCE, ancient Egyptians pioneered advanced horticultural techniques with ornamental and medicinal gardens. A wonder of the ancient world is the Hanging Gardens of Babylon (600 BCE), displaying both the engineering and artistry of gardening. Four hundred years later, ancient China developed irrigation and terracing, paving the way for modern agricultural technology.

During the Renaissance (1300-1600 CE), gardens became elevated statements, formalizing design, horticultural expertise and aesthetic appeal. During WWI and WWII, victory gardens grown by civilians in their private homes and public parks provided food sources and boosted morale in times of challenge and need.

Today, gardens are a source of joy, pride, food and environmental sustainability at a time when our human imprint is increasingly threatening.

Gardens in the U.S.

Americans really enjoy their gardens. Consider this:

• 55% of U.S. households have a garden, equating to 71.5 million.
• In 2021, during the pandemic, 18.3 million households began gardening.
• The U.S. is one of the top three gardening countries in the world.
• 55% of people garden to create a beautiful space, and 43% garden to grow food.
• Tomatoes are the most popular homegrown vegetables and are found in 86% of food gardens.

Gardening for the Health of It

Gardening offers powerful benefits for both the body and mind. Physically, gardening provides gentle exercise through activities like digging, planting, weeding and watering, which can improve strength, flexibility and overall mobility. Spending time outdoors also increases exposure to fresh air and sunlight, helping the body produce vitamin D, which supports bone health and immunity.

Mentally, gardening can be deeply calming and therapeutic. Tending plants encourages mindfulness, reduces stress and increases “feel good” hormones such as serotonin, dopamine and endorphins. It also provides a sense of purpose and accomplishment as you watch things grow under your care. For many people, especially as they get older, gardening becomes a meaningful way to stay active, connected to nature and emotionally balanced.

Collington Digs Deep

At Collington, residents don't just sit back and admire the property’s ample gardens, they are actively involved in their design, planting and care. Across the 125-acre campus, an accredited arboretum, the idyllic landscape is the product of a highly engaged, resident-led effort anchored by an energetic garden committee.

“This is a very active group,” said Dave Elkinton, the committee’s convener, describing a wide range of responsibilities that extend far beyond basic upkeep. The committee manages multiple shared spaces, including a greenhouse and a series of garden plots designed to accommodate varying levels of mobility and experience.

To Market, To Market

Near the greenhouse, raised beds are in high demand, prompting the construction of additional plots. “For those with mobility issues, raised beds are wonderful,” remarked Dave. What’s more, Collington’s Hilltop Garden features more than two dozen ground-level plots, well-suited to those who can be more physically active. Together, these spaces yield a steady supply of produce—tomatoes, lettuce, cucumbers, squash and more—that is sold at the campus farmers market, operating from July through late fall. Unsold items are donated to a local food pantry, reinforcing the community’s broader commitment to sustainability and service.

The Plots Thicken

“There is no one that would not have at least some opportunity to garden here,” Dave said, noting that residents can also cultivate personal plots at their cottages, villas, first-floor apartments and even on balconies using container gardens.

The diversity of what’s grown reflects the diversity of those who garden. A lifelong gardener, Dave leans toward planting vegetables, while his wife favors perennial and annual flowers. Alongside vegetables, residents plant zinnias, marigolds and other ornamentals, as well as native perennials that support pollinators and wildlife habitats. Some seeds are even sourced internationally, contributing to what Dave describes as an “infinite variety” of plant life.

Always Growing

Gardening at Collington is a year-round endeavor. While December offers a brief lull, activity quickly resumes, with residents currently tending seedlings in the greenhouse in preparation for a Mother’s Day sale. These efforts, along with proceeds from the farmers market, help support new garden beds and improvements, making the committee a self-sustaining entity.

A Special Place

All committees at Collington are activated and led by residents, according to Dave, with support from a staff liaison—in this case, Collington horticulturist Megan Bryant. This model reflects the broader Collington and Kendal Corporation values of resident empowerment and environmental stewardship. “There’s a great belief among residents that this campus is a special place,” Dave said, noting its bucolic setting just minutes from the Metro to Washington, D.C. “Everyone pulls together to maintain it.”

Earth Week: More Than a Gesture

Connection to the land is central to Collington’s identity, no more so than during Earth Week, when the garden committee collaborates with the environmental sustainability committee on a myriad of campus-wide initiatives. “Earth Week here is more than a walk in the woods or cleaning up plants,” said Dave, acknowledging the community’s focus on education, stewardship of the earth and introducing beginners to the joys of gardening. “Collington is a very active campus during Earth Week.”

And as sure as April showers bring May flowers, Collington’s gardeners will continue to nurture not just their plots, but a thriving community rooted in purpose, connection and growth all year long.

Sow the seeds of new life at Collington.
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