Though it
happens every year, the arrival of spring is always a source of joy. For many
of us, spring is the time for tending lawns, planting flowers, and beautifying decks,
patios and window sills. The benefits of being out in nature are well known but
bear repeating. According to the Greater Good Science Center at University
of California, Berkeley,
spending time out of doors in natural spaces reduces stress … makes you happier
… relieves attention fatigue, increases creativity … may help you to be kinder
and more generous and make you feel more alive.”
Like everyone
else, people with disabilities reap tremendous benefits from experiencing
nature. Yet, they may face greater challenges when it comes to creating and
maintaining their outdoor spaces. Thanks to adaptive gardening tools, and
thoughtful landscaping design, the challenges are surmountable. Here are some
tips for making gardening accessible to all.
1. Make room for a wheelchair
Make sure paths are flat, hard, and at least three feet wide
to accommodate a wheelchair. Paved paths are ideal for wheelchair users but if
that’s not possible in your garden, keep grass well-mowed and dirt paths even
and well-maintained. If there are stairs in your garden, replace them with a
ramp.
2. Raised Beds
Raised garden
beds enable gardeners who use a wheelchair, walker or have difficulty bending
over for long periods of time to reach their plants. Jeff Stafford of HGTV.com recommends building beds “to a height of 28 to 30
inches with easy access to the bed center so you can water and tend to the
plants from any side.” This will greatly reduce bending over and eliminate
gardening on your knees.” Another option for gardeners who need to work while
sitting down are table gardens which are simply raised beds that are elevated
with room underneath to accommodate a chair.
3. Lighten your load
Minimize the work but keep
the garden beautiful by planting more perennials (that come back every year), fewer
annuals (that must be replanted every year), and mulching to maintain moisture
and decrease the need for weeding.
4. Consider container gardening
Grow plants, vegetables and
flowers in pots and other types of containers. You’ll be able to enjoy the
beauty of plants and flowers and the nutritional advantages of fresh veggies
without putting undue strain on your body.
5. Purchase adapted gardening tools
Adapted tools such as
Enabling Devices’ adapted garden spray make a world of difference
when it comes to gardening. Other tools to invest in include rolling seats,
long handled tools, and support cuffs or add-on handles that make it easier to
control and grip gardening tools.
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