The Fern That Found a Home

Olds – November 7, 2025

When Harriett Nelner moved into the Lifestyle Suites at Mount View Lodge 11 years ago, she never imagined she would one day become the proud caretaker of one of the building’s most beloved features, a flourishing Boston fern with a personality of its own.

About eight years back, a neighbour approached Harriett with an unusual offer: a lonely plant left near the parking area and dumpsters. Harriett recalls with a giggle, “No, I don’t want a plant.” But when she later spotted the small fern sitting in a beautiful pot in the parking lot, she couldn’t bring herself to leave it behind. Instead, she carried it upstairs and placed it in the 3rd-floor common area.

What began as a modest little fern has since grown into an impressive showpiece. Today, it sits in a large pot and spans nearly 48 inches across, its vibrant fronds filling the west-facing windows with life and colour. It has quietly become part of the heart of the floor, and Harriett has been its steady guardian.

Despite not having formal knowledge about Boston ferns, Harriett kept her care routine simple. “Well, I just water it and give it a good shake here and there,” she says with a smile. She is equally thoughtful about the team around her. “The girls (housekeepers) will vacuum up the dead leaves, but I try to sweep them up first, so it doesn’t make more work for them.”

At 97 years young, Harriett speaks about the fern with warmth, humour, and a hint of pride. She recalls one moment with a laugh and just a touch of embarrassment: “I got off the elevator and there was one of the ladies from the lodge behind the fern.” Considering its size, the image isn’t easy to picture. Concerned, she exclaimed, “What are you doing in there!”, only to learn the lady was simply checking if it needed water. Harriett chuckles, “I went and apologized the next day because I really shouldn’t have hollered at her like that.”

For Harriett and many of the Lifestyle Suite residents, the fern is more than just a plant. Its presence brightens the third-floor common area, making it a warm and welcoming space. After learning its story, it may serve as a reminder that sometimes, the most meaningful things grow from unexpected beginnings.

Her story is a quiet testament to what attention, love, and dedication can do. Even without expertise, Harriett’s consistent care has allowed the fern and the space around it to flourish!

Embracing Love, Laughter, and Lifelong Memories

– Mountain View Seniors’ Housing