Gardening is considered among the best activities for seniors, with physical, mental and social benefits. Research shows gardening lowers blood pressure, provides low impact exercise, improves dexterity and motor skills, and relieves stress.

A good example of all those benefits can be found at Givens Highland Farms in Black Mountain. The gardening group at this scenic senior living community nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains near Asheville recently added raised garden beds to their very popular community garden, growing vibrant flowers and fresh, delectable vegetables.

They are also growing in membership, from 16 gardeners last year to 23 active today.

A perk for non-gardeners are “u pick ’em” beds of flowers, strawberries, rhubarb, and blueberries, with a shared harvest for anyone on campus to enjoy. Some of the harvests become ingredients for chef prepared meals in residential dining.

In addition to Givens Highland Farms, you’ll find resident maintained gardens at Givens Estates in Asheville, Givens Great Laurels in Waynesville and Givens Gerber Park in south Asheville.