Stay Active Gardening
Picture courtesy of Thrive
Gardening is a great way of getting outdoors and interacting with nature. It’s the perfect way to get some gentle exercise and can also be an effective way to relieve stress. Whether you are disabled or not, the principles of gardening remain the same. With some thoughtful planning, and a few simple adaptations to the methods and equipment you use, you can create an environment that works for you.
Thrive is a national horticultural charity which can provide expert advice on easier and more accessible gardening. Their site includes:
- hundreds of ideas on all aspects of gardening
- a comprehensive list of tools available for easier gardening
- how other people have adapted their gardens to suit their lifestyle
For people with mobility difficulties, there are many ways to adapt your garden, from raised beds, terracing and hanging baskets to paving surfaces and plants suitable for a low maintenance garden.
If you’re lacking design inspiration, the BBC website provides ideas and practical tips on how to achieve a garden packed with colour and interest.
The Gardening for Disabled Trust can provide grants for adapting private gardens to meet the needs of disabled people. The Garden Club run by the Trust also provides advice on garden design, answers questions, exchanges plants and seeds and publishes a quarterly newsletter.
Blooming Marvellous - Paula Barrett writes about gardening and winning first prize in Mansfield's Best Background Garden and Best Overall Garden competition.
If you've got a new sport you would like to include, groups you have joined or tips you'd like to pass on email the MS Trust's Information Team or ring us on 01462 476700.
