As avid watchers of Gardeners’ World every Friday evening, we have been pleased in recent years to see Monty and the team look at gardening with restricted mobility. It’s proof, if it were needed, that having mobility issues doesn’t mean an end to gardening.

It’s a trend seen elsewhere, too. Garden designers are increasingly focusing on designs that ensure access for everyone. Manufacturers are constantly bringing out new tools to make life easier for gardeners who require something to meet their individual needs. Also, a number of charities and other organisations offer support including Thrive, Arthritis Research UK and Assist UK.

Here’s our quick look at a few ways to maximise your enjoyment of gardening, followed by a link to a great source of further information.

Weeding while sitting down

Most weeds can be tackled with a long-handled fork, trowel or hoe. Weed pullers and grabbers can make things easier still. Obviously, lightweight versions are easiest to use, but there needn’t be a compromise on quality or performance. Manufacturers including Wilkinson Sword, Lasher and Pedigree Tools all have products to choose from. Long-handled tools also make light work of pruning, hedge trimming, raking and so on.

Raised beds

There is an initial investment in money and time to create raised beds, but of course the long-term advantage of better access will be very welcome. 

Sowing seeds

One of the great joys of gardening is raising plants from seeds. This is of course very well suited to being done from a seated position. Set up a potting bench at a suitable height, or use existing garden furniture. Using a plastic compost tidy or washing up bowl will keep compost from spilling onto the floor, minimising mess and waste.

Narrow beds

If raised beds aren’t possible, simply reconfiguring your garden to feature narrow beds is a good alternative. The narrower the bed, the easier it is to access from a chair.

Container gardening

Like raised beds, containers bring the garden up to your level. But containers tend to be smaller and even easier to maintain. They can also be very cost effective. Recycle old buckets, plastic tubs, dustbins, wooden crates, saucepans, tyres, wheelbarrows and so on to create homes for your plants.

More information…

A great source of more information about gardening with restricted mobility is carryongardening.org.uk, which is all about helping people with all kinds of disabilities and challenges to carry on gardening.