As long as Barney Zmoda’s son, Daniel, can remember his dad had always been passionate about gardening and experimenting with recipes featuring the home-grown fruits and vegetables. So, when it came time for his parents to move into a retirement community, the ability for Barney to keep up this hobby was of the utmost importance. Now as a resident of the Country Meadows Forks Township campus, Barney is often seen tending to the raised flower beds, sharing the fruits and vegetables with the campus community, and even passing out beautiful flowers to his neighbors.
For Barney, it is not just the fresh air and satisfaction of a season’s harvest that lights his passion—gardening is his purpose. A research chemist by career, he calls gardening “his livelihood, in a way.” At the age of 100, Barney says with confidence, “I’m out there day after day because I want to be.”
In every garden bed, flowerpot, and window basket, he sees opportunity to create something and bring joy to people. He knows exactly where in the raised garden beds each plant should go to receive optimum sun exposure and airflow. He is educated on which plants should be planted next to each other, and which flowers stems are strong enough to withstand gusty winds. One thing he has not quite cracked is how to keep bunnies and squirrels from enjoying the greens before they can be picked!
“The garden soil under my fingernails—that’s my favorite part,” said Barney with a smile.
Prior to moving into Country Meadows with his wife, Marilyn, he had tended to the gardens on his own property that featured vegetables, fruit trees, and his Marilyn’s favorite flower—zinnias. He would incorporate the fruits and vegetables
into his other hobby: cooking. He describes a mouthwatering eggplant parmesan he would make in a
special way to highlight the “wonderful plant.”
While he enjoys that our team handles the cooking now, Barney does share the fruits and vegetables with the campus culinary team to work into the recipes made for residents. He washes everything and puts it in a basket labeled ‘Help Yourself.’ His stash of green bell peppers, red and yellow tomatoes, or eggplants rarely last long before being scooped up by his neighbors or co-workers eager to test in their own recipes.
Zinnias still take a prominent spot in his planters as well. After Marilyn passed in 2020, he continues to include her favorite flower in the beds, regularly picking the perfect ones and placing them next to her portrait in his apartment. The campus staff recognized the significance behind the zinnias and framed photographs of his beloved flowers. Another co-worker made Barney a puzzle featuring the photographed zinnias. These thoughtful gifts are on display in his apartment as a reminder of the beauty of this special flower and his contribution to the campus community.
“Gardening is keeping me going. Everyone looks forward to gardening season,” continued Barney. “I often get asked, ‘did you start the flowers yet?’”
Even in the winter months, Barney’s plan is underway for the next season. His flowerbed sketch outlines the ideal planter, and he has already identified plants he would like to incorporate in the spring. Daniel is taking notes as he usually attempts to plant similar things that his dad plants at Country Meadows at his own house.
“Somehow, dad’s plants seem to do much better than mine,” chuckled Daniel!
Purpose-Driven Activities Fuel the Country Meadow’s Resident Experience
Every day at all campuses, our Dynamic Living teams organize activities, events and experiences that allow residents to explore their passions and tap into their purpose. For Barney, it is in the gardens, for others it could be volunteering or helping the campus leadership team with events. These purpose-driven activities help residents engage with each other and bring structure to their days. We look forward to celebrating the wide range of interests, hobbies, and passions that our residents bring to our community. Each one makes the campus all the more engaging and vibrant. Contact a campus advisor to learn how you or your loved one can continue pursuing their passions and interests while living with us.
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