Mary’s love of gardening began at the tender age of seven, admiring her neighbour’s row of bright red geraniums. Offered a cutting, she skipped the instructions to put it in water and planted it straight into the ground. It grew and she was hooked.
As an adult, Mary created a garden filled with colour and character, featuring an assortment of blooms with distinct seasonal palettes, a generous herb patch and pockets of vegetables nestled among flowers.
“I loved my garden,” she says. “It was a mass of colour, it was full and it was beautiful.”
Leaving that garden behind was one of the most difficult parts of Mary’s decision to downsize from the family home. After a significant health setback, and with family living interstate and overseas, 77-year-old Mary’s daughters, Clare and Emma, and son, Damien, were keen to ensure she had the right balance of independence and support.
They encouraged her to visit Crichton Court, retirement living and in-home care provider ECH’s 19-unit assisted living community in Henley Beach. It’s designed for people who want to maintain their independence, with a little extra help when it’s needed.
During her first visit, Mary noticed Crichton Court’s courtyard space that she could call her own, already softened by the graceful ferns spilling over from her soon-to-be neighbour Marie’s garden. It was a sign that someone with a shared love of plants lived just next door.
Beyond her unit, the beautifully maintained gardens and landscaping made the whole village feel welcoming. The raised vegetable beds and thriving community garden offered space to keep her hands in the soil, without the burden of maintaining a large property on her own.
That balance quickly proved invaluable. With support like nutritious lunches daily, weekly bed linen exchange, and vacuuming, mopping and bathroom cleaning, Mary was free to focus her time and energy on gardening, what she loves most. Instead of worrying about the physical demands of everyday tasks, she could return to gardening with renewed purpose and enjoyment.
Settling into her new home was made easier thanks to the team at Crichton Court. “The staff are beautiful, they have a great sense of humour and there’s a lot of laughter,” Mary says. “And gardening, of course. Helping people out in their areas gave me purpose.”
As she transformed her own courtyard into a green oasis filled with her favourite pots from her previous home, Mary also began tending the shared garden beds on the central lawn. She works with ECH horticulturist Dean and fellow resident Eric to prepare the soil, plant seasonal vegetables, collect seeds, sow colourful zinnias each year and share produce with the keen cooks in the village.
Mary generously offers her gardening expertise, helping residents with their own courtyards, including her neighbour. As Marie’s eyesight declined, Mary stepped in with care and respect. “It’s still her garden, not mine,” she insists of her neighbour’s garden. “I am just keeping it looking the way she loves.”
Moving to an assisted living community has supported Mary’s independence while expanding her sense of connection. Shared spaces, daily interactions and a supportive environment have made it easy to build friendships and contribute meaningfully to village life.
Mary has also embraced the broader ECH community, regularly joining the exercise classes and wellbeing programs at ECH’s Henley Beach Wellness Centre, located next door to the village. With additional health and wellness services nearby, she is supported to stay active and well while continuing to do the things that bring her joy.
For her daughter Clare, knowing that Mary is surrounded by support, and people who understand and value her passions, brings peace of mind. And for residents and staff alike, Mary’s gardening is more than a pastime, it’s a daily reminder of the beauty and connection that can grow when the right support is in place.
“I just love making things beautiful,” Mary says. “And if it brings someone else a little joy too, that’s even better.”
Enjoy the freedom of your own space and receive extra support in a warm, welcoming community with ECH’s assisted living.
