Village Court residents are showing how much they enjoy living at the senior living center by adding a touch of color.

“We’re proud of the place we live,” said Lorraine Vieira.

Since the spring, her husband of 57 years, Edward, has spent countless hours on his hands and knees creating a flower garden that runs along the front of the building.

“I’m only 81 so I can still bend down,” joked Edward. “I have to have my hands in the dirt. It goes back to when I was a kid. I love gardening.”

Edward planted a number of blooming plants, added small statues and solar lights that brighten the garden at night, and filled the area in with mulch. He finished it off with scalloped brick edging that he found on the ground and painted himself.

Edward uses a push mower to keep the area close to the garden trimmed, and to get some extra exercise.

The residents who live on the first floor have jurisdiction over the area in front of their apartments, and Edward has gotten permission from several of them to extend his garden. He’s also gotten the green light from Village Court Executive Director Louise Sousa, who manages the Mattapoisett Housing Authority apartments.

Many of the Vieira’s fellow Village Court citizens aren’t able to garden themselves, but appreciate the effort.

“It makes them feel better,” said Edward.

Other residents have had gardens for a while. Joyce Gagne, a second floor tenant, began gardening in front of another woman’s apartment a few years ago.

“I just enjoy the digging and the planting,” she said.

Inspired by Edward and Gagne, Joan Johnson decided to get in on the act.

“I just wanted to be on the bandwagon,” said Johnson. “I’ve always wanted a garden and haven’t had one for years. It’s hard work, but I wouldn’t give it up for the world.”

She wants to plant more bulbs and perennials next year. Edward is also looking forward to improving his plot of land.

“Next year it will be much nicer,” he said.