How To Make Your Garden More Accessible
Gardening is a rewarding hobby and has particular appeal for older adults. With more free time after retirement, you can spend time on personal projects and gardening as a relaxing and fulfilling way to pass the time.
However, for those dealing with mobility challenges, enjoying a garden space may become difficult if the layout and surfaces aren’t designed with accessibility in mind. Ensuring that your garden is easy to enjoy freely, even with joint pain or reduced mobility, is essential for maintaining independence and enjoying the outdoors.
In this blog, you’ll find some practical tips to make your garden more accessible for those dealing with mobility issues, so you and your loved ones can enjoy the space they call home.
1) Utilise an Outdoor Stairlift
If your garden has different levels, such as raised flower beds, a patio, or steps leading to a deck, installing a durable outdoor stairlift can be a game-changer. Outdoor stairlifts from Halton Stairlifts, a trusted mobility provider, are specifically designed for external environments and built to withstand the elements, ensuring easy access to all areas of your garden.
Installing one allows you to move easily between levels of your garden, including stairs at your front entrance, or getting up a steep slope, without strain or risk of falls.
2) Create Wide & Accessible Pathways
One of the most important aspects of an accessible garden is the layout of the pathways. They should be wide enough to accommodate wheelchairs, walkers, or people walking side by side. Paths that are too narrow can make it challenging to get around, especially if you’re carrying gardening tools or moving large pots.
Choose pathway materials like tarmac or concrete rather than wooden decking, which can become slippery when wet. These materials are not only durable but also require less maintenance, making them ideal choices for an accessible garden.
3) Consider Raised Garden Beds
Bending down to tend to plants can be painful for anyone suffering from back pain, arthritis, or other mobility challenges. Raised garden beds allow for easier access to plants without needing to bend over or kneel. These beds can be built at various heights, allowing gardeners to choose a height that is most comfortable for them.
If you need flexibility, you can also look into movable raised beds, which allow you to relocate your plants if needed. Raised beds can make gardening less physically demanding, enabling you to continue enjoying this hobby without discomfort.
4) Provide Ample Seating Throughout the Garden
One of the joys of gardening is the ability to sit and admire the fruits of your labour. It’s important to provide comfortable seating in various areas of the garden, especially for larger spaces. This offers a place to rest and take in the view, making gardening more enjoyable and less strenuous.
Look for waterproof, low-maintenance furniture, as outdoor conditions can cause regular wear and tear. Strategically placing benches or chairs near flower beds or vegetable patches also provides rest points, making the garden easier to manage for those with limited stamina.
5) Use Lightweight Tools and Equipment
Gardening tools should be easy to handle, especially for those with arthritis or limited strength. Invest in ergonomically designed tools that reduce strain on your hands and wrists.
For example, long-reach tools can help you reach the far corners of your garden without needing to stretch or bend too much. Folding kneeler stools are another excellent investment, as they offer support while working in the garden, reducing strain on your knees and back.
6) Install Ramps for Easy Access
For those who use a wheelchair or walker, replacing steps with ramps can make all the difference in making your garden more accessible, similar to a stairlift. Ensure the ramp is the correct height and incline for ease of use.
It’s also essential to include a handrail to help with balance and control, particularly when moving up or down the ramp. Choose materials such as wood over metal, as wood tends to feel warmer and more comfortable to touch, especially in colder weather.
Maximise Your Home Mobility Today
A garden can be an excellent space for relaxation, personal satisfaction, and even physical and mental well-being. It’s known that spending time in nature can help reduce stress levels and promote a better mood, making it especially beneficial for seniors or those living with health conditions. However, for those with mobility challenges, an inaccessible garden can quickly become frustrating or even dangerous.
Taking into account factors like wide pathways, raised beds, accessible seating, and using the right tools allows you to make your garden a space that can be enjoyed by everyone, regardless of mobility.
