Many gardeners are concerned that they will not be able to enjoy their cherished flowers or productive vegetable gardens as they age. Some gardeners have given up gardening because they have become disabled. However, there is an excellent resource for gardeners who want to still garden as they age or when they become disabled. Accessible Gardening by JoAnn Woy is full of simple, useful information that will help gardeners plan new gardens accessible to everyone or to modify old gardens so they can continue to enjoy them.
Chapter one of the book discusses what you will need to think about as you plan and lay out your new garden. Chapter two discusses garden construction, including handrails and gates that are easily operated by someone who is confined to a wheelchair.
Chapter three talks about raised beds and containers, while chapters four through six discuss how to care for a new garden.
Chapter seven reviews different options for ergonomic garden tools. I was fascinated by the options available.
Lawn care and accessible landscapes are covered in chapters eight to nine. The tools that help make lawn care easier and the suggested lawn alternatives are some of the most useful chapters.
Chapter ten talks about accessories that make your gardening experience even better, such as a wheelchair accessable picnic table.
Finally, chapter eleven talks about how professionals use gardens as patient therapy. I really thought this was interesting.
Even one good idea would have made this book well worth the purchase price, but it is crammed with genuinely useful information. If you are considering giving up your gardening hobby because of physical limitations, you may be able to reconsider after implementing some of the ideas in this book. I give Accessible Gardening five out of five sunflowers.
About the Book:
Title: Accessible Gardening
Author: Joann Woy
Publisher: Stackpole Books
ISBN: 0-8117-2652-5
Pages: 214
Price: $16.95
Accessible Gardening: Tips & Techniques for Seniors & the Disabled
