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.
TIP: Check local regulations regarding railing, stairs, and ramps.
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.
Click here to check out the patio design page.
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 are great.
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!
TIP: The furthest reach for your arm will be about 3'. If you can get to all sides, your planter could be 5'-6' deep. Just remember that you'll have to lean farther to reach the back.
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. Check out the  
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.
Soft Landscaping
When you're choosing plants there are a few ideas that will help a lot. Here's the quick notes:
*No thorns
*No irritation / poison
*Big blooms
*Scented flowers
*Easy Care
*Bright Colors
No thorns
Thorny, scratchy plants can hurt tender skin. If your skin is easily bruised or scratched, don't plant things like roses, barberry, or creeping phlox.
TIP: Garden tools for children are lighter and may be easier to use.
No irritation
Certain plants, while pretty, can irritate the skin. Juniper shrubs do just that. Whenever I've got to plant them or remove leaves from their base, I get itchy hands. Trumpet vine can do the same thing.
Big blooms
Big blooms are great if your eyesight is bad. It only makes sense. Some of the best: Sunflowers, Coneflower, Hydrangea, Lilac, Azalea, and Peony. Lilac has the added benefit of a great smell. Which brings me to the next item…
Scented flowers
Scent is something that's often forgotten in a garden. If you can't see well, get some great smelling flowers. My favorites: Lilac, Mock orange, and Russian Sage. Russian sage has to be rubbed to smell, but I love it anyway.
Easy care
Why plant something that you might have problems keeping up with? Easy to grow plants will leave you more time for … flower arranging or picking new seeds or containers. Expansion!
Try sedum (less watering), Johnny Jump Ups (Viola cornuta), or daylilies. Johnny Jump Ups love cool weather and need virtually no care. Love that!
Bright colors
Combine big blooms with bright colors (or big leaves with bright colors) and, again, you'll easily see lovely flowers. If you're in Zone 5 or warmer, consider Hibiscus. Huge blooms come in lovely deep reds, pinks, and whites.
So far, all of the plants I've suggested have been shrubs or perennials. Shrubs may be too big if you're going to try
container gardening.
Instead, check out the annual list that I've got below:
Geranium
Petunias
Celosia
Begonia
Zinnia
Moss Roses
Coleus
Finally, make sure that you don't overwhelm yourself with a huge planting area. Start smaller and build up. Gardening takes time.
Best of luck creating your garden. All the time you spend on planning and building will be worth it. Disabled gardening? Garden -- despite the difficulties!
Heidi
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