For many energetic seniors in our Baton Rouge retirement community, gardening is more than just a pastime. It’s a fulfilling (and sometimes competitive) activity that enhances physical and mental wellness. Whether they’re tending their potted plants or pitching in to make our 52-acre campus even more beautiful, folks here love to connect with nature and each other.

For the past two years, our resident gardening committee has showcased the colorful fruits of their work by organizing the popular Tour of Gardens. And in 2024, there was something even more magnificent to celebrate: the revitalization of our community butterfly garden. Let’s stroll down the path for a closer look.

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It shouldn’t come as a surprise that the gardening committee has so many active members. After all, gardening provides seniors with a sense of purpose and accomplishment while enhancing focus and mental wellness. And while some don’t think of gardening as exercise, it’s an excellent way to maintain strength and make light aerobic activity part of your daily life.

Gardening is also a great immune system booster for seniors. Spending time in the garden allows the sun’s UV rays to fight harmful germs and bacteria, while exposing you to beneficial bacteria that can help improve gut health. What’s more, a little time in the sun has been proven to lower blood pressure and increase the levels of vitamin D, which is essential for immune function.

Feeling a little stressed or anxious? Try grabbing those garden gloves and pruning shears. In today’s world of cell phones, computers and artificial lighting, spending time nurturing plants can clear your mind and cultivate calmness, tranquility and overall emotional wellness. 

Building a Better Butterfly Garden

When it comes to making our Baton Rouge retirement community even more inviting, folks here take things personally. In 2023, for example, residents and staff collaborated to complete major renovations to the St. James Place Square, the center of our busy social scene.

Not to be outdone, the dedicated members of our gardening committee are constantly using their time and talents to set up balcony planters, tend our community gardens and keep an expert eye on the trees that grace our campus. And this year, they took on the task of revitalizing our butterfly garden to make it more attractive to these colorful pollinators.

Since several of our gardening committee members are master gardeners, they know what it takes to build a breathtaking butterfly garden—and the results speak for themselves. A variety of native trees and shrubs provide cover while giving these beneficial insects plenty of places to perch and warm their wings for flight. Visitors are also treated to bursts of dazzling color from zinnias and other flowering plants chosen to attract multiple butterfly species and nurture young caterpillars.

Our resident gardeners also take pride in the fact that their efforts support a larger conservation goal. In creating this unique habitat, they’re helping to maintain the survival of these lovely insects, whose habitat has been shrinking as a result of land commercialization.

Senior Gardens on Display: Scenes From Our 2024 Tour of Gardens

This past summer, the gardening committee and activities committee hosted the second annual St. James Place Tour of Gardens to show off the green thumbs of our resident horticulturists.

Folks began the day by admiring our newly renovated butterfly garden before venturing out to marvel at the spectacular displays at their neighbors’ homes. Tasty refreshments, courtesy of our gourmet dining venues, were also served along the way.

Here are some memorable moments from our 2024 Tour of Gardens. For more amazing photos, visit us on Facebook.

Our butterfly garden has never been so full of color. You’re sure to find plenty of pollinators fluttering amidst these eye-popping red zinnias.

No yard? No problem! Container gardening is a compact way to grow a wide variety of colorful plants in all shapes and sizes.

Most people think of bees when they hear the word “pollinator.” But butterflies also perform this important task.

Community gardens promote social connections among seniors by giving folks the chance to meet new people and form deeper connections with neighbors.

Stop By for a Visit and Plant the Seeds for Your Vibrant Retirement

As we age, connecting with nature can go a long way toward boosting physical health and overall wellness. And at St. James Place, you’ll discover plenty of opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors, along with gracious amenities and abundant opportunities for socialization and enrichment.

Want to see more? Check out our Campus & Gardens Photo Gallery. Then experience the full splendor of our senior living community by calling (225) 215-4510 to schedule your in-person tour.