06/24/2026
Gardening has long been recognized as an activity that offers a variety of benefits for whole-person wellness. But did you know that allotment gardening like that practiced at The Baldwin adds even more health benefits? In allotment gardening, individuals grow their own gardens in a specified area. At The Baldwin, residents have the opportunity to create a personal garden in one of the raised beds in the common green area behind building E. In addition, some residents take care of the planters at the front entrance, others tend to the Founders’ Orchard, and you’ll even see container gardens and porch-rail boxes adorning many patios and balconies around our campus. Residents of our Orchard Inn assisted living and memory support households also have the ability to garden in planters on their household terraces.
The added benefits specific to allotment gardening center around the opportunities for social connection. Allotments act as community hubs where gardeners get to know their neighbors, share knowledge, admire each other’s gardens, and even trade produce. And strengthened social connections have been found to provide measurable benefits including significantly reduced stress, anxiety and depression; reduced inflammation; improved immune function; and lower levels of chronic conditions — all of which lead to longer, healthier, happier lives.
To learn more about The Baldwin’s APEX holistic wellness approach, visit our website: https://thebaldwinnh.org/fitness-wellness/