I. Origins
Erickson purchased land from Texas A&M University early in the 21st century. These 83 acres would become the Highland Springs Retirement Community. As agreed upon between Erickson and A&M, Highland Springs would support a community garden club, including outdoor garden beds and a greenhouse.
The Highland Springs Garden Club was established soon after Highland Springs opened its doors to new residents in the spring of 2006. Instrumental in establishing the Club was Barbara Blachly; a member of the Highland Springs management team from 2006-2020. Resident Pioneer Dick Steudner worked with Barbara to construct the original organization plan and Club by-laws.
During these early years, there were no programs or events held by the Club. Residents simply made use of the in-ground, outdoor garden beds and the greenhouse shelf spaces. Residents Joe Connell, the first president of the Club, and Sam Helal authored the garden bed rules and refined the by-laws to better address the needs of the Club. Resident Dee Sanders authored the original greenhouse rules.
Resident Doug Swanson, a Club member since 2007, remembers the East and West Gardens existed when he moved here. At that time, members of the Club could have as many in-ground beds as they chose; there were more in-ground garden beds than members. At one time, Doug had four in-ground beds.
Garden Club meetings began to be held monthly, except during the summer. Summer months were reserved as a time for cultivating, harvesting and using produce from gardens.
II. Early 21st century
The early 21st century was a pivotal time for Highland Springs as it started a multi-year, residential-building construction program. The original Hillcrest neighborhood (Neighborhood #1) was completed in 2014. The Magnolia neighborhood (Neighborhood #2) was started in 2017 and completed in 2021. By late 2024, three residential buildings in the Eastside Village neighborhood (Neighborhood #3) were completed with additional buildings under construction. Completion of all Highland Springs buildings is expected to occur in 2027.
As Highland Springs grew, Club membership also grew. The Garden Club became more than just individuals gardening. Speakers on various gardening topics were brought in at monthly program meetings. Club members began socials. The Club participated in annual Highland Springs events such as Arbor Day and the Activity Fair. The Club grew in members and purpose.
Also, Highland Springs management recognized that upgrades to the current gardens was required. They installed new fencing and upgraded water systems throughout the community. The Club insured tools sheds contained tools and equipment for all members. Joint programs such as the annual Fill-and-Till process became a standard practice.
Membership increased and the need for additional in-ground beds increased. The East and West gardens had room for 54 in-ground beds and membership by the end of 2025 was at 72 member apartments. There was also a deep concern that people were losing their ability to garden due to mobility issues. This became more and more apparent as the pioneer population of Highland Springs aged in-place.
In 2023, Highland Springs provided land and materials for a third garden, the Far West garden. The garden was constructed by Garden Club members under the leadership of Club President Billy Penn and by Resident Jim Geels. This garden included twelve elevated beds for members with mobility challenges and twelve in-ground beds. As a unique feature, the Far West garden was built with a Community Cutting Garden, too. These garden beds are replete with flowers and herbs available to all Highland Springs residents.
III. Mid 21st century
As of the end of 2025, Highland Springs had 12 residential buildings housing 1,600 independent living residents. Work is currently underway to construct a fourth garden, the Far East Garden. It will consist of raised 2’x6’ beds on crushed granite, a garden shed and a shade-clothed bench area. The garden is expected to be completed sometime in 2026.
01-13-2026