I think those of us who are boomers and older, we can all remember things we used to do, that we can’t do so well anymore. I remember when I was young, doing cartwheels in the yard, playing Slip-n-Slide, or doing my best exhibition of diving off the diving board in our swimming pool. Yet as we age, little by little these things are distant memories, and we have to start realizing that we cannot do things like we used to do.
As much as I love to garden, (I am an avid English Roses gardener) I have to surrender, that I am not able even at 62 to do the things I used to do, even 10 years ago. If your parents love their garden and you want to help them enjoy it into their aging years, here are 10 tips to help them:
1 The hardest tip first: Don’t take on a large task- i.e. weeding, pruning, planting- in a single day. Think 30 minutes at a time. Don’t overdo yourself and pay for it later.
2 Walk around your yard and make sure that it’s safe to walk in. Are there any mole holes or wobbly steps? Is the deck washed and moss removed from it? Are hanging branches trimmed way back, and walkways clear?
3 Make repairs before anything happens! Is the railing not as solid as it used to be on the stairwell? Are broken flower pots removed? Are burned out outside lights replaced? Do they have motion detectors? What about walkways? Get rid of embedded pavers in the grass and replace them with either a gravel or concrete walkway. Install railings and/or places to sit near garden paths.
4 Make sure that when visiting your garden, always carry three things with you: 1. Your cellphone with you any time you are outside the house (carry it in the house, too.) You might find it silly, but if you ever fall, you might need it to call for help! 2. A bottle of water. Stay hydrated. 3. Wear sun protectant. That means a hat, longer sleeves (protects from the sun and from getting stuck by a thorn of a rose bush).
5 Use soaker hoses in the garden. Having the ability to water by simply turning on the hose is much better than having to walk out constantly to manually water each plant, or moving a sprinkler around.
6 Pallet gardens are all the rage and wonderful for seniors! Plant succulents, herbs, annuals, and perennials. They are beautiful, take up very little space, and are a great way for seniors to garden without physical strain.
7 If your yard has a slope or bank, do your best to stay away from those types of areas. They are likely a recipe for the perfect storm- like a fall and breaking a hip.
8 Bring your gardening up to waist level, or by raising flower beds up. It can be very hard on your knees, back, and joints when you are bending over for extended periods of time. Those who have Arthritis can find it unbearable. Currently on the market there are many options to choose from that make it a lot easier. We are supporters of large horse troughs, or tubs that can be attractive and provide a great way to easily transform a garden 2-3 feet taller. If you want to make them even higher, put them up on concrete blocks. You can also create an easy container garden by adding an extra patio table. All your pots of herbs and flowers can sit on the extra table.
9 Mentor a younger, beginning gardener in exchange for their strength in things you cannot do for yourself. Your knowledge will help them in their garden better, and their help will save your back and aching joints. Everyone will benefit, and you may make some lifetime friends.
10 Perhaps the best of all, allow your family and friends to give you some “safe gardening” gifts. Your family is always struggling to find the right birthday or holiday gift. (Not another gadget or pair of slippers, please!) Make it easy for them. Hand out your Gardening Wish List. Here are my 10 favorites:
- A good set of pruners
- A kneeling bench
- A garden hat
- Sturdy Long Garden Gloves
- Rubber boots
- Water bottle
- Garden tool carry tote
- Easy-to-grip garden tools
- Coiled hose (lighter weight and easy to move without losing your balance)
- Seated garden scoot.
