As you get older, or if you struggle with physical disabilities, you might start wondering what hobbies you can pick up. Gardening is a great choice — it’s both entertaining and rewarding for your health and well-being. While it may involve a lot of movement, there are many ways to make this outdoor activity more engaging, even for those with disabilities.
Below are some effective tips to help you enjoy your time in the garden to the fullest. These ideas are also useful if you want to help your parents or someone with restricted mobility make gardening more accessible.
Raised Garden Beds
A raised garden bed sits on top of existing soil and is supported by frames usually made of wood. The beds are positioned higher off the ground, which reduces the need to bend down or kneel when planting, weeding, watering, or harvesting. This elevation allows gardeners of all ages to work in a more comfortable and ergonomic position. It also becomes less physically demanding, especially for older adults and those with mobility issues.
Vertical Gardening
Vertical gardening is a method where plants are supported to grow along vertical surfaces rather than along the ground. Examples include trellises, wall planters, and hanging baskets, all of which help maximise space. Use a garden arch trellis for climbing plants, wall-mounted planters to grow herbs or small vegetables, or hang baskets from hooks to grow trailing plants like tomatoes.
Plants grown at eye level or within reach make gardening more accessible to individuals who use wheelchairs or have difficulty moving around. This also reduces bending or stooping and is an excellent alternative for areas where garden beds wouldn’t fit.
Open Pathways
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An open garden pathway is a clear, unobstructed route that allows easy movement throughout the green space. It’s designed specifically to accommodate walkers, wheelchairs, and other mobility aids. Wide pathways provide enough space for walkers and wheelchairs to pass through. Flat and even surfaces also reduce the risk of tripping and stumbling.
Walking longer distances or on uneven surfaces can be challenging for elderly gardeners with arthritis or those in need of help with gardening for disabled. With a wide and obstacle-free pathway in their garden, they can move with their walker between different garden beds with more convenience. They can enjoy joyful and fulfilling gardening experiences, which are good for their physical and mental well-being.
Automatic Watering Systems
An automatic watering is a system that takes water from the tap to the plants through a network of narrow pipes and outlets hidden in the garden or greenhouses. It can also take the form of drip irrigation or soaker hoses. Either way, this gardening method eliminates the need for carrying heavy watering cans or hoses and less physical strain. It’s a worthwhile addition that can ensure plants receive consistent moisture without the effort of manual watering.
Kneeling Pads and Garden Mats
Gardening often involves sitting, kneeling, or bending down. Staying in such positions for longer periods can lead to soreness or stiffness in the knees and back. If you experience back or knee pain, using a kneeler or a garden mat can help prevent this. This accessory provides a comfortable cushion that supports knees, joints, and your back. Using one can allow you to work longer without discomfort or difficulty getting up.
Tip: Store your kneeler or mat along with your gardening tools in your garden storage or potting shed for easy access.
Sensory Therapy
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Sensory gardens are more than just places for plants — they also become therapeutic spaces for relaxation, sensory stimulation, and overall well-being for gardeners of all ages and abilities. Transforming your garden into one may take time, but every step and effort is worthwhile.
Start by planting flowers and herbs like lavender and rosemary in raised beds or vertical gardens. These varieties have pleasant scents that can stimulate the sense of smell. In another bed or container, include plants with different textures, such as fuzzy lamb’s ear or velvety petunias. Adding a small fountain or birdbath can introduce the soothing sound of flowing water in the background. The same goes for wind chimes, creating gentle sounds when the wind blows.
To complete the setup, place garden benches under trees to create shaded resting areas. These spots make excellent places for relaxing after tending to the plants or enjoying the garden view.
We hope these few ideas can help you create a garden that’s more accessible and convenient to work in — a place everyone can enjoy and benefit from!