Erickson Tribune

Ann's Choice

UPDATED: Thursday, May 25, 2006

Not Your Garden Variety

Posted on Thursday, June 01, 2006
 

By Tom Mackie
THE ERICKSON TRIBUNE

Just as you can count on a vista of new flowers and plants each summer at Ann’s Choice—all 103 acres meticulously landscaped by its professional crew—you can count on even more greenery around campus. Thanks to the “Green Thumbs” of one of Ann’s  Choice’s most popular clubs—The Garden Club.

“The Garden Club was one of the first clubs established here,” says Marie Dmoch, Ann’s Choice retirement counselor. “When you look at all these beautifully landscaped acres and see all the active people in the community, it only seems natural that this club is so popular.”

Surprise Benefits

Last year there were 44 residents who participated in the Garden Club. This year they’re looking to add 20 more. In fact, knowing that you can continue your passion for gardening at Ann’s Choice is just one of the surprise benefits that people love about this community.

“One of the things that make Ann’s Choice so different from other communities is all the opportunities available here,” says Marie Dmoch. “We’ve got more amenities, clubs, activities, and overall opportunities to pursue your passion than  you’ll find anywhere. Life just gets better here.”

Colorful Surroundings

According to Charley Gysi, the president of Ann’s Choice Garden Club, people are planting more than  the typical fruits and vegetables.Charley plants flowers and even Bonsai Trees in his garden. And he says it’s not uncommon for people to replant things from their original house to their new home at Ann’s Choice.

“Before I moved here, I had a half-acre garden at my home in Willow Grove,” says Charley. “Knowing I could continue to garden at Ann’s Choice certainly made it the right choice. In fact, I took many of my plants and shrubs from my garden at my house and replanted them here at Ann’s Choice.”


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According to Charley, each garden club member is given a large 10' x 10' area, in which they can plant their favorite things.  That’s where the residents’ creativity comes in. You’ll see everything from tomatoes to strawberries, and perennials to rosebuds.

Sharing Ideas and Tips

Of course, since this is a community recognized for maintenance-free living members don’t have to be bothered with all the “dirty work.” Ann’s Choice Grounds Supervisor Steve Ezzo, and groundskeeper, Amy Praria help the members with advice and some of the heavy lifting.

According to Charley they make sure the soil in the garden club area stays rich and healthy. They’ll till and mulch the area so members can grow whatever they want easily. They’ve also helped teach members about “Square Foot Gardening,” which allows you to grow more in your garden area.

Going the Extra Step

“A lot of new residents are blown away when they see all the little extra things we do to accommodate people here,” says Marie. “Like helping people with ‘green thumbs’ to continue enjoying their life-long passion of gardening is just one example. If you’re planning on moving to Ann’s Choice we’ll do whatever we can to make sure you’ll enjoy the kind of care free lifestyle you’ve always wanted.”

For more information on the Garden Club and other clubs available at Ann’s Choice, call 215-672-2900 or toll-free 1-800-576-1453.



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