There’s nothing Brenda loves more than spending time in the garden. So, when she decided it was time to downsize and move from Middlesex, Vermont, Brenda looked for a place where she could continue that hobby. With its various gardens and apple orchard, Strode Independent Living was that place for her.

“The grounds, even in February and March were very pretty,” Brenda said. “It’s been a lovely experience for me to garden here. I also enjoy the apple orchards. To sit in the gazebo and look around,  it’s lovely for me.”

Since her arrival in March 2021, Brenda assisted in the doubling of the raised bed gardens. Brenda also takes care of her garden box behind the unit. Each resident gets their own garden box to grow plants and flowers.

“I have marigolds that I transferred to my garden box here when I moved in. I first grew them 30 years ago in Texas. I’m amazed they’re still around.”

While the garden and outdoor grounds are highlights of her experience living at Strode, Brenda also finds the friendliness of the staff very appealing.

“They respect your privacy while getting you involved in activities,” Brenda says, “But they also know when to respect your space.”