Arabella residents staying busy with their flower garden

RED OAK — The first flowers of the year are in the ground at Arabella of Red Oak, where residents took advantage of mild Texas spring weather to get outside, get their hands dirty, and open the season with a planting session.

The hands-on gardening brought neighbors out to plant, water, and compare notes on what blooms best in North Texas. Beyond the obvious appeal of fresh air and color, the activity lines up with a growing body of research on gardening and aging. A study published in Activities, Adaptation & Aging found that gardening promotes overall quality of life, physical strength, fitness and flexibility, cognitive ability, and socialization in older adults.

“Getting outside and putting flowers in the ground is one of the best activities we plan all year,” said Robin Jo Smith, independent living activity director of Arabella of Red Oak. “Our residents wait for that first stretch of spring weather, and the minute it arrives, they’re ready with their gloves on. It’s good exercise, good company, and good for the mind.”

Spring planting will continue at Arabella of Red Oak throughout the season, with additional gardening sessions scheduled.

For more information, visit Arabella of Red Oak’s website.