Accessible Gardening for People with Physical Disabilities: A Guide to Methods, Tools, and Plants by Janee Adil
Reviewed by Sylvia Quigley, Community Health Education Center Volunteer
Gardening is fun and can be therapeutic. Gardening can be adapted for individual needs. Whether you are in a wheelcair or walk with a cane, etc, gardening can be a hobby for you. From container gardening to raised beds; from ground level gardens with appropriate paths between the individual beds to vertical gardens, gardens can be within the reach of almost anyone.
The author gives important information on the how of gardening for people with disabilities. A garden can be one arm length or two arms lengths wide, depending on whether or not it is accessible from one or two sides. Choosing the correct tools is important for any gardener, and in some instances, a homemade tool is the best choice. According to the author, the most important thing "to consider in choosing garden tools is, as always, your physical capabilities."
Common sense ideas are plentiful in this book; for example, don't work during the heat of the day and consult with your doctor or therapist before beginning a project. And, don't forget the sunscreen.
Once the decision to garden is made, other related topics like mulching, seed/plant selections, watering, fertilizing, cutting and pruning, and dealing with pests - both insects and four-footed are presented.
And finally, don't forget children: children love to garden. They love to reap the products of their work. Gardening truly gives children a sense of accomplishment: just watch them show off their plants, flowers or produce!
Community Health Education Ctr SB457.4.H36 A35 1994 Non-circulating
To view this title or other health-related books visit the Community Health Education Center (CHEC). The CHEC is located on the ground floor of the VCUHS Gateway Building on the MCV campus.