Gardening at ClarkLindsey Continues to Grow as a Source of Joy, Connection, and Accessibility
- ClarkLindsey
- Jun 17, 2022
- 3 min read
Many residents at ClarkLindsey in Urbana are deeply engaged in the community’s garden program, which offers a mix of in‑ground plots and accessible raised beds. For longtime gardeners, these spaces provide continuity, creativity, and social connection. The program continues to evolve, including expanded accessible features and recognition from statewide landscape professionals.
What Happened
Residents at ClarkLindsey maintain a vibrant garden area that serves both practical and personal purposes. Gardeners grow everything from flowers to vegetables, often bringing decades of experience with them. Some residents have even transplanted plants from their former homes, carrying forward meaningful family traditions.
The garden program includes a variety of plot types to meet different mobility needs. In-ground beds, raised beds, and wheelchair‑accessible designs allow residents—some of whom use walkers or wheelchairs—to garden comfortably. The accessible beds include thoughtful cutouts that allow a gardener using a wheelchair to approach and work from the front edge of the planting area.
The community’s horticulturist and landscape designer supports the program and collaborates with residents, learning from their expertise and incorporating their ideas. Construction projects temporarily affected a small cluster of garden plots, but the gardening area was expanded to ensure no opportunities were lost.
The Illinois Landscape Contractors Association recently recognized ClarkLindsey with a 2022 Gold Award for Excellence in Landscape, largely in acknowledgment of its wheelchair-accessible garden beds. Additional accessible beds are already planned for an upcoming garden expansion and for future assisted‑living program spaces.
Why This Matters
For many older adults, gardening is an important link to identity, personal history, and a sense of independence. The opportunity to garden at ClarkLindsey enables residents to continue a cherished activity, maintain physical engagement, and enjoy a space that fosters social connection.
The accessible features reflect a broader movement toward inclusive design in residential settings. By expanding wheelchair‑friendly beds and responding to residents’ preferences, ClarkLindsey demonstrates a commitment to adaptability and resident‑centered spaces.
Gardens also serve as informal gathering places. Residents frequently share produce and flowers, offer advice, and celebrate each other’s successes, helping strengthen the social fabric of the community.
Key Details at a Glance
Location: ClarkLindsey, Urbana, Illinois
Garden Program Features:
In-ground plots, raised beds, and wheelchair‑accessible beds
Approximately 30 plots, some shared among residents
Expansion of garden area following recent construction
Resident Involvement:
Gardeners range widely in experience, with some continuing traditions from family farms or long‑time home gardens
Gardening provides physical activity, emotional wellbeing, and social interaction
Recognition:
Awarded the 2022 Gold Award for Excellence in Landscape by the Illinois Landscape Contractors Association
Future Plans:
Two additional wheelchair-accessible beds in the current expansion
Another accessible bed planned for future assisted‑living program space
Broader Context
Gardening programs in senior living communities have become increasingly valued for their role in supporting meaningful daily engagement. Research and industry trends highlight how outdoor spaces can improve emotional wellness, mobility, and social connection. ClarkLindsey’s efforts align with these trends by offering garden features that foster autonomy and reflect the different ways residents choose to stay active.
The recognition from a professional landscape association reinforces how inclusive design and resident-driven planning are gaining traction across the industry. As communities look for ways to balance independence and accessibility, ClarkLindsey’s garden program offers a practical example of how thoughtful outdoor spaces can support both.
Source Attribution
This post is based on publicly reported information originally covered by The News-Gazette.
