Any gardener will likely tell you that creating a lovely garden blooming with colour involves a bit of art and science! Great gardeners have a good understanding of different soils and plant types, as well as a passion for nature underpinned by a creative perspective and a patient, determined demeanour.

Ursel, a resident of Tapestry at Village Gate West since 2018, brings all these qualities and more as the leader of the community’s Gardening Club. While slight and soft-spoken, Ursel has boundless enthusiasm for gardening, shaped by a lifetime of experience and award-winning achievements.

For many years, Ursel was a member of the Etobicoke Horticultural Society and was also involved with the Canadian National Exhibition (CNE) where she won numerous blue ribbons for “Best Floral Designs”.

“I would be up very early putting the finishing touches on my designs at the CNE,” says Ursel. “They had to be ready at exactly 12:00 p.m. so the judges could make their rounds. These were very long days – but also extremely satisfying,” says Ursel, whose many blue ribbons are today proudly displayed in her suite at Tapestry at Village Gate West.

In addition to her CNE ribbons, Ursel was recognized by the Etobicoke Horticultural Society for “Best Garden Design”, where a plaque is displayed in the Greenhouse highlighting her prestigious achievement.

Despite earning many honours, Ursel is modest about her awards. Today, she leads Tapestry’s Gardening Club, working with other residents and employees to bring colour and vibrancy to the expansive gardens which adorn the community’s extensive courtyard – the perfect spot to soak up conversation and sunshine!

Ursel’s leadership of a community activity is a perfect example of how Tapestry’s residents work with employees to create opportunities for engagement and vibrancy that are meaningful to community members. In every Tapestry, our residents share life skills as teachers and instructors, helping others to grow, evolve and learn. Artists share their talents and bring life to blank canvasses. And gardeners, like Ursel, are cultivating flowers and community!

Although Ursel no longer enters gardening competitions, she still enjoys getting her “hands dirty”. She has also translated her passion for planting to painting and now spends time creating spectacular floral designs.

If you have a lifelong hobby like Ursel, the desire to live your life to the fullest and an interest in sharing your passions with like-minded friends and neighbours, Tapestry offers the perfect environment for engaged and connected living.