Merrill Gardens at Ballard

08/04/2025

Summer’s peak is here! ☀️ Stay safe by recognizing the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke, so you can act quickly. Hydrate, stay cool, and look out for others showing symptoms. Stay cool!

08/03/2025

This past Tuesday couldn’t have been more perfect on our rooftop deck. The sun was shining, the breeze was blowing, and the view over the city made it feel like our own private escape. Chef Christopher prepared a vibrant lineup of vegan ceviche, crispy tostones, house-made chips, and refreshing mock-jitos. Even his cat Diego made an appearance, lounging with us and adding to the charm of our always-popular afternoon. As The Drifters once sang, “And if this world starts getting you down, there’s room enough for two, up on the roof.” Already counting down to the next one. ☀️🌿🍹🐾🧑‍🍳

08/02/2025

A fun-loving group of our residents hit the town for a Friday night adventure at 14/48: The World’s Quickest Theater Festival here in Seattle, where brand-new plays are dreamed up, written, and performed in just 48 hours! 🎭⏱️ The crowd was buzzing, the laughs were nonstop, and the surprise star of the night? Our very own Concierge Ashley, rocking the stage like a pro! 🌟 From cheering him on to enjoying the wild creativity of the festival, our residents had an absolute blast. Great company, great theater, and a night to remember! 👏🎉💬

08/01/2025

This week’s Crafty Hour was all about color, creativity, and a little bit of mess in the best way possible. We got together for a fun afternoon of tie-dyeing t-shirts, and the results were as bold and unique as the people who made them! With dye bottles in hand and white tees ready for transformation, we twisted, tied, and splashed our way through the rainbow. There were spirals, stripes, and plenty of creative flair on full display. Everyone walked away with their own one-of-a-kind shirt and maybe a few dye stains to remember it by. 🎨👕🌀🌈

07/31/2025

Thinking about moving to a senior living community? Our latest blog shares what to expect—more peace of mind, engaging activities, and a supportive environment. ✨ Discover how your next chapter can be vibrant and stress-free by clicking here:

Discover the benefits of moving to a senior living community, from improved lifestyle and fewer worries to vibrant social connections and enriching activities.

07/31/2025

Our Activities Department got crafty with our lovely residents, making colorful bandana bracelets inspired by the Taylor Swift-style friendship trend! 💕🧵 With a rainbow of beads and every letter of the alphabet to choose from, everyone let their creativity shine through in their own unique designs. The best part? The time spent together was filled with laughter, stories, and lots of LOL moments! 💬😂💗 These bracelets aren’t just accessories. They are little symbols of friendship, fun, and connection. 🌈🎨

07/30/2025

Last week, our very own resident Roy gave a fun and informative talk all about P-Patches, Seattle’s community gardens, with a special spotlight on the beautiful Ballard P-Patch! 🌻🍅 A large group of residents gathered in our activity room to learn, laugh, and get inspired. Roy’s passion for gardening was contagious. He even dressed up as a garden gnome, a playful tribute to both his Norwegian heritage and Ballard’s deep Scandinavian roots, where gnomes are seen as protectors of gardens and symbols of good luck. His talk came at just the right time. Everyone is now looking forward to the Art in the Garden celebration happening this Saturday, August 2nd! 🎨🌼

07/25/2025

What better day to end the week than with a Friday Happy Hour, featuring the talented John C. on guitar. His music had a light, folksy twang that added a warm and inviting touch to the afternoon. Residents sipped on wine and sparkling apple cider, enjoyed a delicious spread of appetizers, and even a few got up to dance! It was a fun, relaxed hour filled with great music, laughter, and community — just the way to welcome the weekend! 🍷🎶🕺😊

07/25/2025

Discover why so many people make the move to senior living by reading our brand new blog! With everything from enriching activities and supportive team members, to the sense of belonging and purpose they experience daily, hear from real residents by clicking here:

Discover why residents chose Merrill Gardens communities for their senior living, highlighting the enriching activities, supportive staff, and the sense of belonging they experience daily.

07/24/2025

At our latest rooftop social, we enjoyed perfect weather, great company, and incredible food. Chef Christopher’s culinary forum added an extra layer of flavor to the afternoon with his delicious creations. He served red pepper hummus crudité cups and his signature Papas Bravas—stuffed fried potato skins filled with chorizo, peppers, and onions, smothered in savory tomato sauce and melted cheese. We also sipped on refreshing sangrias that paired perfectly with the food. These every-other-week gatherings just keep getting better! 🍴🧀🔥🌿🎉.

07/22/2025

This July, Garden House residents have been “traveling” across the globe with no passport required! Our destination is Morocco, a land of rich traditions, vibrant markets, and unforgettable cuisine. We kicked off the experience with armchair travel hosted by Seattle’s own Rick Steves, who guided us through Morocco’s landscapes, history, and daily life. The journey continued at our Family Night, where our space transformed with festive décor, glowing lanterns, and a feast prepared by Chef Christopher. Residents enjoyed a delicious Moroccan-inspired meal featuring msemmen, a flaky flatbread often served warm and fresh off the griddle, bissara, a comforting and creamy fava bean dip, and shrimp with couscous, seasoned with aromatic spices and full of flavor. While we didn’t have traditional Moroccan music, the spirit of celebration was alive thanks to lively 1950s-style entertainment that had everyone smiling, singing along, and even dancing. From flavorful bites to festive sights, Morocco has truly come alive right here at Merrill Gardens. And our residents have their “passports” stamped to prove it! 🌍🕺🫓🥣🍤

07/22/2025

Embracing change can lead to new beginnings. Transitioning from homeownership to senior living is a big step, but knowing what to expect makes the process smoother and more empowering. Discover helpful tips and more in our latest blog:

Discover the benefits of moving to a senior living community, including improved lifestyle, fewer worries, and vibrant social opportunities. Learn more about what to expect at Merrill Gardens.