As people age it is important to help them maintain the level of activity they have enjoyed throughout their adult lives. For some, this means making adjustments so old hobbies can still be enjoyed within the limits and range they can handle. Just as Baby Boomers have totally changed each stage of life they’ve passed through, so too, with a simple activity like gardening. To them, you shouldn’t let disability, accident or age keep you from feeling the dirt between your fingers. Here are a few ways to accommodate:
Raised beds – These can be very attractive and offer advantages to bending over or getting on the ground to plant and tend to a garden. Built at a height of 18-24 inches off the ground, raised beds offer easy access to those who want to garden while seated. Digging, and weeding will be easier to do and you can maneuver readily when it’s time to harvest all the fresh vegetables that your efforts yield.
Spacious Pathways –To allow for wheelchairs, you want the pathways between planters to be at least 4 feet wide. This will allow for easy maneuvering between the rows and access to those little sprouts in the middle.
Standing Planters – Allow the gardener to reach deep into the middle to pull those pesky weeds out of the way. These planters are a good choice if your gardener has trouble bending over and wants easy access to all sides of the bed.
Organic Design – A U-shaped or octagon raised bed will be easier to negotiate for those in a wheelchair. Order lightweight wood blocks designed especially for raised beds, and they can help build the boxes as well. Ask your local gardening center for advice on the type of product to use. There are synthetic wood blocks that would be perfect for this project. Being thoughtful about the design will get them outside and back in the dirt the love.
And when it’s time to serve the bounty, Ann Taylor offers all the looks you’ll love. Whether is the shorts, tanks and tees you’ll feel good in while you garden, or the pretty party clothes that will look smashing when you finally set the table at the end of the harvest. Get shopping with Groupon for great deals on Ann Taylor, then get out in the yard and have some fun.