Accessible Gardening: Gardening with Limitations

Let's talk about some tips on how to make gardening easier and accessible for those with
disabilities or other limitations, whether they have arthritis, are in a wheelchair or are
visually impaired.

Maybe you or someone in your household has difficulty getting around in the
garden, so let's see what can be done to make it more enjoyable for them.

Gardening in raised beds and planters. It makes the plants much more
accessible to reach. About a 2-3 foot wide raised bed area (wider if access
is on both sides) should work for most people and its height should be
according to the person gardening in it. For example: a person in a
wheelchair would want the height anywhere from 18 to 24 inches tall, while
someone with arthritis may want to garden standing and could use a height
in the 3 to 4 foot range.

Use lots of pots or other containers such as window boxes low to the ground.
To help reduce the weight, use Styrofoam peanuts in the bottom half of the
containers and fill with soil. Anyone can plant everything from seeds,
perennials, small shrubs to small trees in containers. For ease in moving
the pots, use wheeled caddies which are available at most hardware stores.
Locate hanging baskets at lower levels or on benches for easier reach.
Garden up! Use trellises and other types of plant supporters.

Walkways should be a minimum of 3 feet wide. Ramps should be out of a
non-slippery material and a handrail maybe necessary. There are many
possible surface materials for walkways. However, packed soil is one of the
cheapest. Of course, it will be muddy during wet weather. Sandstone pavers
and brick are also good options but will be more costly. Remember, wood will
work, but will be slippery when wet.

For those visually impaired, choose plants that offer bright colors, variety
of textures and lots of fragrance. A wide assortment of perennials and herbs
works wonders for the senses. Group large areas of plants according to
colors for more impact, as those with only partial visual problems will be
able to locate them easier.

Use sound effectively. Add into the garden chimes, wind mills, fountains,
and birdhouses to create soothing sounds.

Who doesn't like a sandbox? It brings out the child in all of us. Take an
old barrel or other container and fill with coarse sand. It will make a
great exercise for arthritic hands (or even feet if the barrel is low
enough) and a perfect playground for children with physical limitations.

Visit Greenwood Nursery for easy to grow plants for these and other gardening projects.

For further reading on how to remake a garden to be more accommodating for
those with physical disabilities or limitations, check out these books at
your local library or bookstore.

Accessible Gardening for People with Physical Disabilities: A Guide to
Methods, Tools, and Plants by Janeen R. Adil

Accessible Gardening: Tips & Techniques for Seniors & the Disabled by Joann
Woy