QUEENSTOWN, Md. — Gardening is more than a hobby for Rose Marie Wright. It is a passion that has connected her with her community, inspired creativity and brought beauty to the lives of others.
Now 93, Wright has brought that lifelong love of gardening and floral design with her to Queenstown Landing, where she recently moved into the assisted living neighborhood in the senior living community in Queen Anne’s County.
A longtime and well-respected member of the Kent Island Garden Club, Wright has earned local recognition for her beautiful floral arrangements. Several of her creations have been featured in Thursday’s Showing, an event that Queenstown Landing team members have attended.
“Her passion and creativity bring a unique and beautiful touch to our community, whether through floral arrangements, gardening projects or simply sharing her knowledge and love of flowers with fellow residents,” said Jay Hurley, Community Relations Director at Queenstown Landing.
Wright not only shares her artistic talents, but also the knowledge and experiences she has gained through years of involvement in the local gardening community.
“Our residents and team members truly appreciate Rose Marie and the decades of insight and creativity she brings to our community,” said Muge Gorgulu, Executive Operations Officer at Queenstown Landing.
Gardening and floral arranging have always been about more than creating something beautiful for Wright. She focuses on using her skills to bring joy to others, a tradition she continues by sharing her passion and perspective with those around her.
“Flowers have a way of making people smile,” Wright said. “You can take something beautiful from nature and use it to brighten someone’s day. That’s one of the things I’ve always loved about gardening and arranging my flowers.”
Her passion also creates opportunities to build relationships with fellow residents and team members, whether through a shared appreciation for floral design or a simple conversation about flowers. Those everyday connections make a difference.
“I think it’s wonderful when you can share something you love with other people,” Wright said. “You don’t have to do anything elaborate. Sometimes a little color, a pretty arrangement or a conversation about flowers is enough to make someone’s day more special.”
She appreciates the opportunity to pass along knowledge gained through years of gardening and involvement with the Kent Island Garden Club.
“Whether Rose Marie is sharing ideas about flower arrangements, discussing her favorite plants or encouraging others to appreciate the natural beauty around them, she makes a meaningful contribution to those around her,” Hurley said.
Founded in 1977 as the Island Garden Club, the organization now known as the Kent Island Garden Club began with nine members committed to beautifying their community and encouraging an appreciation for gardening. The group eventually became affiliated with the National Council of Garden Clubs and the Federated Garden Clubs of Maryland.
Rose Marie Wright is among the club’s biggest advocates as it continues to promote its founding principles such as stimulating a love of gardening, encouraging better horticultural practices, fostering the art of flower arranging and conserving natural resources.
Its community projects reflect those goals. Members maintain gardens and contribute to seasonal decorations at several local landmarks, including the historic Cray House, Kent Island Library, Christ Church and Stevensville Train Station. The club also supports projects that preserve local history and enhance public spaces throughout the area.
“Gardening has always been about more than flowers to me,” said Wright, who originally is from Stevensville. “It’s about taking care of something, enjoying the beauty it brings and sharing that enjoyment with other people. I’m happy to have opportunities to keep doing that here at Queenstown Landing.”
Wright’s story also highlights an important part of the senior living experience: Residents bring a lifetime of interests, talents, relationships and accomplishments with them when they move into a new home. Her move to assisted living didn’t mean she left behind something she loves. Instead, it provided a new place to share her passion with others.
“At 93, Rose Marie Wright continues to demonstrate how a lifelong passion can create connections and enrich a community, one flower at a time,” Gorgulu said.
For more information, contact Jay Hurley, Community Relations Director, Queenstown Landing at [email protected] or call 410.304.2005.
