“It’s pretty neat,” Cook said.
“Aileen always liked gardening, she kept a nice garden back when she was living in the village.”
Arvida Olive Tree retirement community manager Nathan McShane said the gardening team had done an “amazing job” revamping the Aileen Kars Garden over the past three weeks.
“The garden’s beautiful,” he said.
“It’s just a really lovely setting that Aileen enjoys, and so do all of our other residents.”
The space features a “magnificent” magnolia tree alongside rhododendrons and hydrangeas.
Benches have also been installed for residents and their families to enjoy the tranquillity of the space.
Aileen Kars with her long-time friend Jan Cook at the Arvida Olive Tree retirement community in Palmerston North.
Cook, 83, said while Kars’ memory had begun to fade, her warm nature remained.
“She’s like a mum to me,” she said.
“She’s always got a nice thing to say about people.
“She just loves having the family all around.”
As for the secret to reaching 113, Kars has offered a few tips.
“She always said when you cook your vegetables, don’t waste the water,” Cook said.
Carrot water was particularly important, while Kars credited Johnson’s Baby Oil as the secret behind her remarkably smooth skin.
But Cook suspected there was no great formula for her friend’s longevity.
“I don’t know that she really knows. Her heart just never stopped beating.”
A musical celebration was planned for Kars today, with about 20 family members and friends expected to gather for afternoon tea with Manawatū maestro Ian Farmer booked to serenade guests.
Cook said music had long been part of Kars’ life, with the former dancer winning cups and medals in her younger years.
“She’s just a beautiful soul,” McShane said.
“Obviously 113 is such a milestone and we feel very privileged to play just a small part in the celebrations.”