Harvesting Friendship and Flavor: King-Bruwaert House Residents Celebrate the Season in Their Thriving Garden

BURR RIDGE, Ill. — As the autumn season sets in, residents of King-Bruwaert House (K-B House) are savoring the fruits of their labor, literally. The senior living community’s resident-tended vegetable garden is yielding a vibrant harvest of potatoes, squash, cucumbers, beans, herbs, and more, bringing both flavor and fellowship to life at K-B House.

The expansive 30-by-60-foot garden, planted nearly three decades ago by resident Jack Foster, remains a flourishing centerpiece of community life. Today, teams of residents work side by side to plant, weed, and harvest crops throughout the growing season. For many, it has been an unexpected but delightful new passion.

“I’d had flower gardens before, but I’m sort of surprised to find myself involved with the community vegetable garden,” said resident April Rinder, who tends tomatoes, cucumbers, and beans alongside her friend and neighbor, Lavina Gross. “Everything tastes so much better when it’s fresh. And it’s even better when you’ve grown it together.”

Once picked, the produce is shared freely among residents, making it possible to enjoy true “farm-to-table” meals right at home. The garden also serves as an outdoor classroom, with experienced master gardeners offering tips and planting guidance to fellow residents. From planting maps to soil rotation, the collaboration ensures both healthy crops and meaningful connections.

The teamwork stretches beyond daily care. When weeds once threatened to overtake the beds, residents organized a spirited “weedathon” that drew about two dozen helpers. What could have been a chore became a lively community event…proof that the garden cultivates friendship as much as vegetables.

As the crisp autumn air sets in and the final crops are gathered, the K-B House community is reminded that it is never too late to grow something new, whether it is fresh produce, new skills, or deeper friendships.