In the Garden

Outside-of-the-Box Gardening

By Pat Naughton

Many seniors give up on gardening when it becomes too difficult to get down to the ground and back up again. But the therapeutic benefits of gardening can still be enjoyed by bring the soil up to the gardener. These types of gardens are known as accessibility gardens.

Accessibility gardens are designed to allow those with mobility restrictions and disabilities easy access to plants. Tall, raised bed gardens, such as those found at the Brunswick Center at Supply and New Hanover Arboretum, are one form of accessibility gardens. But you don’t

Shoe pockets make a fun, unusual herb garden. Find a site with shade for hot afternoons. Photos by Pat naughton anything can be a planter if you look at it right. think outside the box, or outside the flowerpot. Shelby Horning found these boots make great containers for Shasta daisies.

have to build a tall box to enjoy gardening in your golden years.

Containers of All Types

Container gardening is an easy way to have an accessibility garden. Containers can be hung from plant holders placed in the ground or attached to a railing. A patio table is a great location for container plants. Try to find a spot that avoids full sun in the afternoon.

Think out of the box when considering containers. At left is an idea for a small herb garden from instructables.com using hanging shoe pockets. Careful—the soil will dry out if placed in full sun for a long period of time. Use potting soil, which helps to retain water.

Shelby Horning found a unique way to remember her late boyfriend. “He always gave me plants instead of flowers on special occasions,” Shelby says. “I decided to use a pair of his ‘Varnumtown Wingtips’ for a planter.” Now when she sees the Shasta daisy growing out of his boot, she recalls fond memories. “He really is pushing up daisies!” Shelby exclaims.

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A Special Sandbox

I was very impressed with the accessibility garden my neighbors, Gloria and Steven Thomson, designed. Steve modified the plans for a sandbox and elevated it to waist height. It has a pond liner to hold the soil, and under the soil, irrigation. It even has an overflow pipe for excess water. It’s marked off in 15 square feet for “square foot gardening,” a method developed by Mel Bartholomew. Steve and Gloria are enjoying beans, carrots, squash, tomatoes, and kale.

If it will hold soil, it will hold a plant.

For instructions on how to make a shoe pocket planter, go to https:// bit.ly/3doF19F.

Photos by Pat naughton gloria and Steven thomson made their garden more convenient by modifying plans for a sandbox and elevating it to waist height.

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