Senior to Senior: A Giving Garden

A friend sent a picture of her garden plot, and it was a sight to behold. The full color pictures of ripe red tomatoes, luscious fruits, and healthy greenery were awesome. Only a senior can fully appreciate both the work involved and the joy of gardening. Gardening is therapeutic. Researchers will be the first to tell you that gardening is good for you both physically and mentally. The joy of gardening never goes away but it takes time, energy, and a certain commitment that you might find taxing. You are probably thinking that is too taxing, too much of a bother. You’re half right; dwindling family sizes and fewer friends mean that you find yourself buying only one tomato, one onion, a green pepper and a little package of salad greens at a time. Don’t let that stop you. If gardening is your passion, you might consider making your garden a gift of love. Excess produce can go to your local farmers market, with proceeds donated to your favorite organization. Anything that doesn’t sell can be donated to local food banks. Can you think of a better way to give back to your community? Be practical though and focus on how to indulge in your favorite pastime without too much wear and tear on your body. Yes, pain. If you are in your seventh or eighth decade you are aware that spending hours bending, reaching, squeezing and straining will likely mean more pain than gain. Whether your passion is flowers, or a thriving vegetable garden is moot, you want to plan a garden that works for you. Keep in mind that any garden can be adapted to meet your needs. • Assess your physical needs. • Consider potential problems and figure out how to work around them. If you can’t bend over comfortably consider a raised bed. If you get short of breath plan a garden that is close to the house and keep everything you need within easy reach. Sit whenever possible. • If you are housebound, you can plan a garden using containers and window boxes. Grow plants like tomatoes, beans, peas, cucumbers and many flowers vertically using a trellis. If you can still manage a traditional garden go for it, but let modern technology help you out. Take advantage of the special “enabling” or “adaptive” tools that are readily available. Gardening can still be a joyful experience.