Disabled Gardening
Gardening Despite Difficulties

More than once I've been asked about disabled gardening. Many times it's for seniors who find it harder than ever to pursue their passion. If this is you, I hope you'll stick around. Disabled gardening doesn't have to be depressing. Let's explore some possibilities...

If your arthritis makes it hard to move. If you're confined to a wheelchair or can't see as well...there are ways to develop your landscape design so that you can garden. Don't stop gardening!

Likewise, if you're planning a disabled garden with an elderly parent or are helping a friend who is disabled, I've got some ideas that are sure to help.

Check out the tips below for some ideas on creating a garden that works for you. We'll be raising the plants and lowering obstacles.

Hard Landscaping

Hard landscaping refers to the pathways, decks, patios, ... anything that isn't a plant. Water features also fit here -- because of the fountains that hold the water.

Steps & Ramps

Steps should be lower, if at all possible. A rise (step height) of 4"-6" is a lot easier to navigate if you've got knee problems. A railing here is a must, too.

If at all possible, ramps are preferable to stairs. The steepness of the ramp may be regulated by local codes. I prefer no higher than a 1:20 slope. This means that for 20 inches of run (travel), you'll have no more than 1" of rise (height).

Ramps to and from your home may be as steep as 1:8. These will be regulated by the local codes. Don't forget that you'll need a handrail here.

Patios & Pathways

If traveling through a disabled garden, the slope should be lower -- 1/20. This allows for easy stopping whether you've got a wheelchair, walker, or cane.

Pathways for disabled gardening should be at least 5' wide. This makes it easy to turn around with a wheelchair or walker. If you'd like to be able to walk side-by-side with a wheelchair, paths could be widened to 7' or 8'.

Soft pathways (like pea gravel or mulch) should be avoided, but compacted crushed granite could be used. It's also inexpensive. Puddles may be expected for this flexible material.

Concrete is an ideal surface for patios or pathways. Because it's smooth and firm, you'll have no problems navigating over it. If you'd like a little variety, consider having it installed in a different color. Concrete cuts could also be installed for an outdoor tile look.

Brick pavers or patio blocks are another alternative for disabled gardening. They must be installed well, though. If they've got edges that stick up, you'll find that this causes more problems than it solves.

Water Features

Water features should be easy to care for. Locally, we've got more than one business that makes concrete birdbaths. I find that these are heavier and won't tip over easily. They also last better -- through our hard winters -- so you won't have to bring them in.

If you like, fountains would be another great option. Raised up, the maintenance could be easily accomplished. In the winter, the water will have to be drained and the pump removed. If you've purchased a quality concrete fountain, you won't have to take it in during the yearly freeze.

Planters

Raised gardens eliminate bending and kneeling. Container gardening is a great idea if you find it hard to kneel or bend. If spring has sprung, and you'd like to get started, try a 1/2 barrel planter and dig in!

Retaining wall planters provide structure in a garden. Concrete retaining wall block has a lot of different colors and styles. If you have it built to about 20" high, you can use the wall as a bench, too. Easy and beautiful!

Wooden planters can be built to many different heights. Make sure that they are strong enough to last a long time. Table height may be just the thing if you're sitting. Counter height is perfect for standing -- with the added benefit of bringing the plants right up to eye level.

Even better would be wooden planters raised on legs -- so you can get your legs underneath. This would be especially great if you're planning on spending a lot of time out there or are in a wheelchair.

I hope that the tips for disabled gardening get you off to a great start. Customize your garden so that you can enjoy it.

Continue to Soft Landscaping -- Plants for Disabled Gardening. Customize your garden for your unique capabilities.