Gardening - people with disabilities

Gardening is a fun and healthy activity for people of all ages and abilities. It can have many health benefits. People with disabilities may also enjoy spending time in the garden and growing their own food.

With a little planning you can create an accessible, productive and pleasant garden. You’ll need to consider the group or groups of people who will be using the garden and build the garden around their needs.

Gardening provides new skills
Everyone receives rewards from gardening. For people with disabilities it provides particular benefits. Gardening may help to improve:

• Communication and social skills – as a result of being involved in group and community activities.
• Fitness – gardening is a great form of physical activity.
• Confidence – gardening provides an opportunity to develop a range of new skills.
• Wellbeing – gardening is a great way to relax and reduce stress levels.
• Physical ability – through improved motor skills.
• Nutrition – gardening provides an opportunity to learn about healthy food.
• Knowledge – learn about the environment and nature.
• Enjoyment of life – gardening is a wonderful leisure activity in which tasks and routines can be varied and shared.

• Raise garden beds to assist people with physical restrictions and avoid the need for bending and stooping.
• Provide tables that are wheelchair accessible where people can work on potting and planting together.
• Use pots, window boxes, wheelbarrows and raised containers to make gardening more accessible – these can also be used when space and sunlight are issues.
• Provide retractable hanging baskets that can be pulled up and down so they are within easy reach.
• Use containers with wheels, which can be moved around easily to catch the sunlight.
• Keep paths smooth, non-slip, accessible and level.
• Have a handy water supply and place plants together according to their water needs.
• Have an equipment storage area or shed nearby.
• Provide shade for working in the garden in summer and remember to use hats, sunscreen and other sun protection.
• Make sure the toilet is nearby.

• Use tape, foam padding, bicycle grips and PVC pipe to improve grip and handle length on tools.
• Find specific ergonomic and enabling tools – these are available at some hardware shops.
• Use gloves that have a sticky surface or gloves with gripper dots.
• Use of splints and supports may also be appropriate – consult an occupational therapist.
• Look for lightweight tools that are easier to handle.

• Watering
• Digging, planting and sowing
• Pruning and clipping
• Weeding and mulching
• Flower picking and arranging
• Making crafts from the garden
• Harvesting and preparing fruits and vegetables
• Cooking food from the garden.

• Community or local garden groups
• Occupational Therapists Victoria Tel. (03) 9481 6866
• Horticultural Therapy Association of Victoria Tel. (03) 9848 9710 or email contactus@horticulturaltherapy.com.au
• Cultivating Community - Email: info@cultivatingcommunity.org.au

• Gardening is a healthy, stimulating activity that can be enjoyed by people with a range of disabilities.
• Gardening equipment and tools can be modified to suit people with disabilities.
• An edible garden should be landscaped so that garden beds are easily accessible and safe.

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