Most of us don’t have to think twice before stooping to pull a weed or turning a spadeful of soil. We’re among the legions of Americans who enjoy gardening’s aesthetic and therapeutic effects so much, we’ve made it America’s most popular hobby. Unfortunately, those who might reap the greatest physical and emotional benefits from gardening are often restricted due to physical limitations. Health problems such as disabilities caused by accidents, arthritis and back injuries, pose obstacles to gardening. According to the American Nursery and Landscape Association (ANLA), it needn’t be that way. With simple adaptations, special tools, and an open mind, the garden path beckons to all. Dr. Diane Relf, an environmental horticulturalist with Virginia Cooperative Extension and a faculty member at Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, has extensive knowledge of horticultural therapy. Dr. Relf and ANLA suggest methods to make gardening accessible to the physically challenged.
A bit of earth
Anyone who has read, “The Secret Garden,” by Frances Hodgson Burnett, will remember how “a bit of earth” transformed the lives of two children—one spoiled and sad, the other sickly. Many of us, limited by time, age, or ailments, can learn from this story by gardening on a smaller scale. As strength and success improve, enlarge your growing space. Don’t underrate the pleasure a pot of flowers or home-grown vegetables bring to the housebound. In fact, hospital patients have been known to recuperate faster if their rooms face a landscape.
Within reach and easily accessible
“Keep in touch,” is a good thing to keep in mind when planning an accessible garden. Raised beds and window boxes limit stooping and bending. Narrow beds keep overexertion to a minimum. Use plenty of mulch to reduce weeding. Hanging baskets, rigged with pulleys lowered for watering, are an option for those in wheelchairs, walkers or otherwise restricted. Another way to overcome limited reach is to use shallow planters mounted on legs or placed on a table. Shallow-rooted annuals and herbs flourish in these settings if watered regularly. Long-handled tools extend the reach of wheelchair-bound gardeners. Select lightweight tools and test the tool before buying to make sure it doesn’t require extraordinary strength to operate.
Keep tools close at hand in a conveniently located shed or use a carpenter’s apron hung from the waist or from the wheelchair. Have several water spigots installed or use hose-end turn off valves, available at garden centers. Garden centers often sell tools adapted for special needs. Generally, the better the quality, the easier and safer tools are to use.
Smooth, level, and wide—your walkways must meet these requirements if they are to be used by those in walkers or wheelchairs. Handrails or grips add to safety.
A visionary idea
Visually impaired or non-sighted individuals need not be excluded from gardening pleasures. Mass plantings of vividly colored plants are enjoyable to those with limited vision. Also, select plants appealing to other senses besides sight. The velvety smooth lamb’s ears or crinkly textured horehound provide sensory interest. Stimulate the auditory sense with ornamental grasses rustling in the breeze; wind chimes or bells ringing throughout the landscape; or a fountain’s splash and murmur. Fragrance plays an important role in mood lifting—whether originating from roses, herbs, or night- bloomers like moonflowers or jasmine.
Visually impaired people can increase their gardening savvy with a few simple helpers. A large magnifying glass makes small plants and seeds easier to view. Likewise, seed tape and mechanical seeders eliminate fumbling with tiny seeds.
Brightly colored plant markers visually organize the garden.
Getting a grip
Many of the previous principles—minimizing bending, accessible work areas, and smaller gardens—will enable arthritis sufferers to enjoy gardening, too. Of special importance are tools and equipment that respect the body’s limitations. Lightweight tools with large handles provide better grip. Foam pads are easy on the knees. Or, try a garden trolley/stool combination. Again, seed tape and automatic seeders will avoid the need for fine motor movements of the hand.
Rest and replenishment
In their enthusiasm, some gardeners forget to drink plenty of water, use sun protection or pace themselves. For many, gardening isn’t work—it’s therapy. Still, it’s important to rest and enjoy the results of your labor. When creating a special space that welcomes all, include a sturdy bench—in the shade if possible.
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