Dawn Tedesco and Kay Kendrick discovered long ago that they had something in common: a musical connection. Dawn’s father played the piano, Kay played the piano, and Dawn herself plays the violin.Dawn, whose parents Gloria and Tony Nagel were residents at The House of the Good Shepherd retirement community, met Kay in 2006 when her dad moved to The House. The two musical families became fast friends and they started a music club for the residents. 

Kay, who is now a resident at the Hackettstown retirement community, and Dawn, remain friends. In addition to their close friendship, their love of flowers soon became a new connection. 

Fifteen years ago a local Girl Scout troop planted a flower garden at The House as part of a project. Over time, Dawn volunteered to care for the garden. With her knack for caring, the garden is thriving more than ever, with a variety of flowers in all colors, from red to yellow to pink and more beaming at visitors. 

As part of her weekly visit to see her friend Kay, Dawn works the garden. Some weeks Kay’s family also helps with weeding and watering. Residents enjoy sitting by the garden and admiring its beauty.

“The Garden makes me and everyone else happy,” said Kay. “The chairs at the front are always full of people checking out the garden (and the gardener).”

Added Dawn, “The garden is a joy to me and everyone loves watching me work on it.”

Dawn has a garden at home, but she laughs, “the deer eat all my flowers!” Deer do not bother the garden at The House “so I can see the fruits of my labor.”

“The garden is a special space for residents and visitors,” said Shannon Morgan, Director of Recreation at The House. “They look forward to just sitting there and enjoying its beauty, and when Dawn is there, watching as she masterfully takes care of it all.”

The House of the Good Shepherd is located at 798 Willow Grove Street, Hackettstown, and is situated along the Musconetcong River. The House offers an array of living arrangements, from nursing care to independent living. For more information about The House, or to arrange a tour, visit hotgs.org or call 908-684-5900. The House of the Good Shepherd can also be found on Facebook.

In the photo above, Kay Kendrick enjoys the view of the garden at The House.