Accessible Gardening

Originally written for URI Cooperative Extension Master Gardener publication "The Dirt".

Sometimes our gardening expectations are very different from our gardening reality. Recovering from surgery or illness, managing a disability, or even caring for small children can make it challenging to get into the garden. Adapting to life changes is the first step to having a meaningful and rewarding experience in our gardens. With a little help from URIMGP lessons, I've adapted my gardening from a "can't do" attitude to a "can do" approach

Living with Arthritis and Fibromyalgia has definitely impacted my physical ability to tackle big garden projects. Horticulture is an important aspect of my mental health so I've found ways to work with these disabilities. Elevated containers on pedestals, walls, and tables make it easier to garden on my deck. I found inspiration from URI Cooperative Extension videos on Vegetable Container Gardening and Square Foot Gardening (a concept I adapted to an elevated planter). 

In 2013 I was diagnosed with Latent Tuberculosis and the treatment medication caused extreme sensitivity to UV rays. "What's a gardening girl to do?"...adapt! Advancements in spf clothing and hats protected my skin. I chose to gardening in the early mornings, evenings, and in the shade. Summer heat and watering of plants, however, is always a concern for myself and many gardeners! New watering practices, such as drip irrigation, is useful in larger gardens. I've found terracotta watering spikes amazing for containers and I also place containers in locations that receive rain. Hydroponics is a wonderful practice of gardening indoors! There are Hydroponic kits available to purchase but also ways to create your own Hydroponic garden. Lessons on Veggies to Grow in the Shade  (timestamp 7:24) & Hydroponics 101 addressed my concerns about water, heat, and sun! 

The adaptations I've made in my gardening practice stemmed from wanting to fulfill my own horticultural needs. What I have observed, however, is that establishing a more resourceful approach has brought new awareness of the environmental needs around me.

Swapping out high maintenance plants for native, drought tolerant varieites brought more pollinators and wildlife to my landscape. I've listed some inspiration videos here:

• Winter Sowing & Propagation of Native Plants 

• Native Plants in All Their Glory: A Tour of the Kettle Pond Native Plant Garden 

Establishing a self reliant lawn has freed up time once used for watering and mowing. Here are some helpful videos:

• Groundcovers:An Alternative to Lawns 

• Easy Lawn Care 

Beat the summer heat and catch up on URI Cooperative Extension videos. You may just find the new gardening approach you've been looking for!

How do you adapt your gardening practices? Rate this article then comment below!