Accessible Gardening
A Sensory Guide for Different Bodies
Hey Everyone,
It's that time of year again where we dust off our garden gloves and pull out the tools for starting or reviving our gardens.
Gardening is more than just planting seeds, pulling weeds, and posting pics to social media, although that's enjoyable as well. It's therapy in some ways. There's the joy of creating and nurturing something while moving about the garden, grounding yourself with nature, and experiencing moments of mindfulness that makes it so addictive!
And no matter your age, ability, or experience, there are ways to get connected to the earth. It doesn't matter if you live with a vision or hearing impairment, limited mobility, or just need a little extra support in the garden, there are creative and soothing ways to still dig around in the dirt and hopefully, get some blooms.
🌸 For the Visually Impaired
Let the Garden Speak Through Scent and Touch
When one sense fades, others usually rise to the occasion. That’s why scents and textures are beautiful entry points for gardeners with low or no vision.
Herbs like lemon thyme, basil, and lavender fill the air with fragrance and are easy to grow in pots or raised beds. Scented geraniums are another favorite, as their leaves give off rich smells like mint, lemon, or even chocolate.
And don’t forget about texture! Plants like lamb’s ear, with its soft, velvety leaves, or succulents and spider plants that feel thick and bouncy, offer connection through touch. Raised beds or tabletop planters can also make everything easier to reach and explore with your hands. My back dislikes prolonged bending, so these options are lifesavers!
🎵 For the Hard of Hearing
Beauty Through Color and Movement
While certain sounds of the garden may be harder to detect, the sight of a garden in motion can still bring joy. Brightly colored blooms like zinnias, marigolds, coleus, and rudbeckia create visual fireworks in garden beds and containers. I find such pleasure in looking out at my garden from the kitchen windows, admiring the cocktail of colors. The butterflies, bees, and dragonflies seem to love them too!
Grasses like blue heaven grass or yellow prairie grass sway and shimmer in the breeze, adding soft, rhythmic movement to the landscape.
These plants are not only beautiful but easy to maintain, and many attract birds and pollinators too, creating a peaceful and lively scene even without sound.
🐦 For Birdwatchers and Nature Lovers
Create a Wildlife Oasis
There’s something healing about watching nature show up, so if you're wanting more wildlife, plant with birds in mind! Echinacea, sunflowers, juniper, and winterberry are all excellent choices to attract finches, chickadees, and other feathered visitors.
My garden has entertained more birds than I've seen in an area that's not a state park! I've had robins, bluejays, cardinals, lil finches, chickadees, and morning doves. Twice I got guest appearances from a hawk! But I believe it's intentions were to make a meal of the baby robins.👀
Anyways, even small patio containers can become mini ecosystems. Sunflowers now come in dwarf varieties which are perfect for container growing, and herbs like lavender or lemon balm attract those beautiful bees and butterflies.
A garden like this can easily become a daily invitation to observe and connect. Mine surely does.
💪🏽 For Those with Limited Mobility
Adapt the Garden to You
Not every gardener can crouch, dig, or stand for long periods of time, and that’s okay. Gardening doesn’t have to be physically demanding to be rewarding.
Raised beds, hanging planters, and container gardens offer access without the strain. Choose low-maintenance plants that don’t require daily care, like jade plants, pothos, or coleus. I have a few pothos that are well over 15 years old, and it's not because I have a green thumb. It's that they're relatively easy to care for.
Tools with ergonomic handles and lightweight hoses can make watering and weeding more comfortable, too. And for caregivers, garden time can be restorative for you or those you're caring for. Even just sitting with your loved one beside the plants, journaling, or breathing in the scents of herbs can be so relaxing and healing.💚
🌱 A Few Starter Ideas
Some sensory-friendly plants:
For scent: Lavender, lemon balm, basil, chocolate cosmos
For touch: Lamb’s ear, succulents, spider plant, ponytail grass
For sight: Coleus, zinnias, cosmos, sunflowers
For wildlife: Echinacea, winterberry, millet, juniper
🌼 A Garden for the Soul
Despite what some may say, there’s no “right” way to garden. And even with impairments or limitations, a relationship to the earth is still possible. Heck, every person deserves a relationship with nature.
So get out there and plant what feels good! Smell something that makes you smile or that brings back memories. The power of nature to soothe and support is available to all of us.
EM
🌼🌼🌼
Additional Resources
🔧 Adaptive Gardening Tools & Tips
Gardening Solutions for People with Disabilities
University of Missouri Extension
🔗 https://extension.missouri.edu/publications/g6690-
Gardening for People with Disabilities
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension
🔗 https://agrilifeextension.tamu.edu/library/gardening/gardening-for-people-with-disabilities/ -
Gardening With Arthritis
Arthritis Foundation
🔗 https://www.arthritis.org/health-wellness/healthy-living/physical-activity/other-activities/gardening-with-arthritis
🌿 Accessible & Therapeutic Garden Design
-
Enabling Gardens: Gardening for All Abilities
Chicago Botanic Garden (Buehler Enabling Garden)
🔗 https://www.chicagobotanic.org/education/therapeutic_horticulture/enabling_garden -
Therapeutic Horticulture
American Horticultural Therapy Association (AHTA)
🔗 https://www.ahta.org/what-is-horticultural-therapy -
Accessible Gardening Tips for Every Ability
Easterseals National Blog
🔗 https://blog.easterseals.com/accessible-gardening-tips-for-every-ability/
REFERENCES:
Comments
Post a Comment