Benefits of Gardening
Gardening is great for mental health. It helps us get in touch with the natural world and is an overall calming activity. Sometimes the work that comes with gardening can be hard on your body, but here are some ways to make it more comfortable and accessible for all abilities:
Tools: Look for gardening tools that make gardening easier, such as longer handles to reduce bending over or modified grips to add stability. Stools and kneeling pads can increase comfort when weeding.
Raised beds and container gardening: Bring the garden to you. Although commonly used for vegetables, raised garden beds can also support many drought-tolerant native perennials and shrubs; plus, containers can make balcony gardening possible. Note that raised garden beds and containers may need extra watering. Smaller containers may need insultation during winter to increase the chances of plant survival over winter.
Garden design: Design your gardens with accessibility in mind. Consider including wider paths that won’t restrict mobility aids or, for visual impairments, lining paths with lighter and brighter colours to create contrast with surrounding soil. If your yard has a change in elevation, add in steps or a ramp with a hand railing.
Watering: Lugging around water can be challenging. Including multiple water access points can make watering easier. In addition to the main water tap, direct downspouts to rain barrels. Consider connecting a soaker hose and snaking it throughout your garden, so all you have to do is turn on the tap.
Further reading:
- Accessible garden design by Thrive: how to design beds, borders and lawns and choose plants with accessibility in mind.
- How to Create a More Accessible Garden in Garden Tech: how to create a raised bed, tabletop or container garden.
It may take some trial and error to find what works best for you, but your health and yard will benefit.
Main photo: Raised gardens with bright colours, like the yellow of the black-eyed Susan, can help make gardens accessible. Photo: Melanie Kramer.