Gatesworth Stories —
The Gatesworth’s Grounds–
A Serene and Welcoming Environment
From exceptional food to outstanding amenities, there are countless ways in which The Gatesworth excels as an independent living community. However, one that residents can’t praise enough — including listing it as the reason many chose to move — is the sprawling and immersive courtyards and gardens.
“The concept for the gardens started with the owners and their vision to provide something that was a private, beautiful landscape garden that had variety,” explains Chris Leonard, vice president of operations. “They wanted to create an unparalleled environment that the residents could really take ownership in and that’s continued to this day. You didn’t see anything like that when it was built and still don’t see being built today. There’s so much attention to detail that has gone into it.”
Leonard adds that The Gatesworth’s maintenance staff and a grounds manager work daily to keep the courtyards and lakes looking fresh, but on top of that, residents themselves are eager to play a part in contributing to the beauty of their community.
“We give them a lot of autonomy over the greenhouse and outdoor spaces,” he says. “We manicure around the gardens and keep them managed but residents get to engage and really enjoy it. They treat it like it’s their own house and that’s special because it adds to that family atmosphere that we really encourage.”
Resident Berkeley Gunther has managed the greenhouse at The Gatesworth since she moved to the community seven years ago, allowing her to continue expressing her passion for gardening.
“The greenhouse is a very peaceful, pleasant place,” she says. “Residents can come and pot their plants or repot their plants; they can leave plants if they go on vacation, and I’ll take care of them; if people have questions about their plants, I can help as best I can. It’s a lot of fun.”
For Gunther, another highlight of The Gatesworth’s expansive grounds is how much she gets to learn about plants every day, delighting in the wide variety of species of trees, shrubs and flowers that can be found throughout. In addition, The Gatesworth also boasts an abundance of mature trees and shaded walking paths that newer communities might not be able to provide.
“It’s a literal breath of fresh air, and it’s very important for the residents,” Leonard says. “You’ll see people walking all year round. It has more than a mile and a half of walking paths that are well designed for a senior with benches throughout for people who need a break. It feels very private and quiet.”
Additionally, The Gatesworth’s grounds include a large putting green, lakeside pavilion for personal gatherings or community events and a pair of resident-managed flowerbeds.
“One is a daylily bed and the other is my favorite — a pollinator bed,” Gunther says. “We’re conservationists that want to attract bees and butterflies. It’s very successful, and residents love looking at it and learning from it.”
Residents also get a say in what plants The Gatesworth acquires for seasonal planting and enjoy watching their suggestions come to life. The result is a beautiful space that truly feels like home.
“As a gardener, you could see why The Gatesworth was at the top of my list,” Gunther concludes. “I’d lived in a high rise before, and I thought I have to get somewhere where I can get my feet on the ground and pull a weed if I feel like it. The Gatesworth is like living in a botanical garden.”
