Bonnie L. Grant, an urban agriculturalist at GardeningKnowHow.com, has posted a great article on how to create an “easy care senior garden.”
Even if you’re not as sprightly as you once were, gardening still provides excellent exercise, a sense of accomplishment, and “a host of other benefits that are healthy for the mind and body.” With just a few adjustments, you can create a flowerbed that fulfills all the needs of older gardeners.
Grant’s top tips include:
Select hardy plants “that are tolerant of difficult conditions.” This will help them survive when it’s tough to make it out to the garden for a few days.
Try using “raised beds” to avoid bending down quite so much to reach your garden. You can even set your raised garden up so you have access to the center from all sides.
Pick up some outdoor stools so you can create convenient rest spots around your garden.
Keep your garden “simple and contained,” and within a fence for security.
Ensure paths near the garden are wide enough “walkers, canes or wheelchairs.”
Tools of the Trade
Some gardening tools are difficult or uncomfortable for older folks to use.
Foam grips are an option to make handles a little softer. There are also “‘grabbers’ and extension poles” to help reach tools or the garden when sitting.
“A wheeled garden caddy” is a fantastic way to move your tools and other belongings. It’s not ideal to be carrying equipment on potentially uneven or slippery ground.
Do you have any gardening tips you’d like to share? Let us know in the comments!
