

Here are 9 ways to be an adaptive gardener:
Protecting Your Knees
Protecting Your Back
Garden Standing Up Or Sitting Down

This raised bed at the Paul J Ciener Botanical Garden in Kernersville, NC. is an example of furniture quality construction. Note the partitions separating the crops and wide cap boards that the gardeners can perch on to work.
Join The Container Revolution
Manage Your Time For Healthy Gardening
Alternating work/rest blocks should apply to gardeners of all ages. The only difference will be the length of the work block. You’ll probably notice that the work block time shrinks every year. Don’t try to tough it out, and don’t skimp on the rest periods. Go with the flow. It’s nature’s way of telling you to slow down.
Your Relationship With Ol’ Sol
It’s also important that you wear a wide-brimmed hat that covers the tops of your ears and the back of your neck. A baseball cap only shades your face. Sunglasses are important, too. UV rays can exacerbate cataracts and age-related macular degeneration, both of which can begin at a young age and manifest themselves later in life.
Start With Stretches
For gardeners under a doctor’s care, I recommend talking to them first. They’ll probably refer you to a physical therapist, noting any restrictions that an exercise regimen should include. For many senior gardeners, their insurance covers physical therapy, with a modest copay.

Stretching exercises, including yoga, are recommended before you begin each day’s gardening.
Adapt When You’re Renovating The Garden

Save money by widening your paths the next time you renovate the garden rather than waiting until it’s needed.
Widen Your Garden Path
Make Paths Easy to Navigate

The unique sound of this wind bell at a garden path intersection will help orient a gardener with vision or memory loss. Installing special plants and devices before they’re needed will condition you to react to this stimulus.

In addition to lighting activity areas, use low-voltage stake lights to illuminate walks, garden paths, and pond perimeters for safety and security for you and your guests.
Light Your Garden Paths for Safety
Embrace Imperfection

My front yard garden is an example of embracing imperfection. It’s informal and needs little care. The ornamental grass and spent Rudbedkia have to be cut down each spring because I leave them for winter interest.
To enjoy gardening and still have time for your other interests and demands of life, garden as Mother Nature does – informally and imperfectly.
Written by: Duane Pancoast
Author: The Geriatric Gardener: Adaptive Gardening Advice For Seniors
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Founded more than 100 years ago, the National Garden Bureau educates, inspires, and motivates people to grow home gardens. National Garden Bureau members are horticultural experts, and the information shared with you comes directly from these experts to ensure your gardening success.
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