To Garden For Gardeners - Washington State University

Hanging baskets suspended on a pulley systemwork well for wheelchair bound gardeners. Thecontainers can easily be pulled down to aworkable level. Planting bags are an easy way to grow plants.They are lightweight, portable, and can be suspendedat a height comfortable for the seated or standinggardener.General Tips for Container GardeningContainerYou may use nearly any container as long as it is deep enough toaccommodate the root system of the plants you are using. Largercontainers are better for vegetables. Wood, plastic, pulp, clay, metal,burlap, wire and moss containers will all work. Whimsical containerscan include such items as milk cans, old boots, coffee pots, pails, etc.The containers must drain easily to prevent soil from becomingoversaturated. If the containers do not have holes, drill them yourselfor use a plastic pot with drain holes inside the decorative container.In this situation, be careful not to overwater.SoilAlways use potting soil in your containers. Do not use soil fromyour yard or garden. Purchase a bagged soil that contains organicmaterial like peat or perlite or vermiculite (choose a product thatdoes not contain asbestos). These amendments allow potting soil toretain moisture and maintain air space so roots grow quickly.15

WaterContainers require more frequent watering than plants grown in theground. This is especially true for hanging containers. Plan onwatering at least once a day; more often during hot summer days.FertilizerPlants obtain nutrients from the soil and water around their roots. Incontainers, nutrients need to be replaced during the growing season.You can use liquid, dry, or timed-release fertilizers.Liquids: Liquid fertilizers are immediate, easy to mix and apply,and can be diluted to various concentrations to suit plants' needs.You can use them once a month at full strength or every two weeksat half strength.Dry Fertilizer: There are many to choose from. Follow thedirections on the label. Water soil thoroughly both before and afterapplying dry fertilizers.Timed-Release: Nutrients are released from the fertilizer a little ata time. Timed-release fertilizers such as Osmocote stay active forvarious lengths of time. Check label of product for best results.Plant SuggestionsPlants for sunny locations: Nasturtium, marigold, geranium, alyssum,lobelia, ivy, vinca, zinnia, aster, pansy, petunia, verbena, dusty miller.Plants for shady locations: Impatiens, begonias, lobelia, alyssum, ivy,vinca, pansy, coleus, fuchsia, browallia, dusty miller.Vegetables: Cherry tomatoes, lettuce, carrots, bush varieties ofsquash, onions, beets, peppers. Most herbs, with the exception of thevery tall or large ones such as dill, do well in a container.16

VERTICAL GARDENSFences, walls, arbors and trellises can be used to support plants or tohang containers at an accessible working height. Vertical gardensalso add growing area to small gardens with limited space. Plant vines and climbing plants on vertical surfaces to provide awind barrier. Climbing plants can reduce glare or reflected heat from surfaces tomake the garden environment comfortable. Vines grown on pergolas will provide shade in the garden area. Construct an arbor to span a pathway.Vegetables such as pole beans, cucumbersand snap peas can be planted on either sideof the path and trained to grow up and overthe arbor. Adjust the height of the arbor forharvesting from inside from a seated orstanding position. Gardeners with limited mobility will enjoy learning to pruneespalier fruit trees. They can be grown at an accessible level, whichmakes maintenance and harvesting easier. A sturdy shrub or small tree can be used as a trellis for floweringvines. Let the vines climb up through the branches.17

Use small trellises in containers to add extra,easy-to-reach growing space. Avoid using stakes for trellises that havepointed ends, which may be dangerous.Use rounded or circular supports toincrease safety. Locate your vertical structures on theproper side of the garden to assureadequate sun for the specific plant. Place trellises on the downwind side of plants so prevailing windswill blow plants against their supports, not away.18

SENSORY GARDENS AND PLANT SELECTIONPlants selected for a sensory garden stimulate the use of the fivesenses. This is especially important for the gardener who hasimpairment of one or more senses. Design an enjoyable garden areawith plants that maximize the use of the other senses. Create spacesthat provide interesting textural and visual displays, offer uniquefragrances, and provide season-round interest.Plants for Limited VisionBright colors in the garden are cheery and stimulating, whilegardeners find subtle gradations in color more calming. Use plantswith color contrast in foliage to add interest and beauty for thegardener with limited vision.AnnualScientific NameDescriptionColeusColeus hybridusvarying patterns-green,orange, red, pink on leafMarigoldTagetes hybridsbright yellow to orangeflowerZinniaZinniaall colors, variegatedpetals, good cutting flowerGazaniaGazania rigensyellow to gold, browncenters, daisy like, longbloom timeGarden NasturtiumTropaeolum majusgold, yellow, pink to redblossoms, climbing orbush typesSunflowerheight 2-6 feet, lightyellow, gold, brown19

PerennialScientific NameDescriptionLamiumLamiaceae maculatumvariegated foliage with pinkor white flowersCoral bellsHeucheracoral color, delicateblossoms, varying foliageHostaHostaleaves green, blue,variegatedPurple Cone FlowerEchinacea purpureapurple/pink flowerMaltese CrossLynchnisbright red/orange flowerOriental PoppyPapaver orientalemany colorsPrimrosePrimula polyanthaspring flowering, manycolors, fragrantShrubScientific NameDescriptionGold Flame SpireaSpirea x bumaldaGoldflame'flowers rosy redGarden HydrangeaHydrangea macrophyllaflowers pink, red, bluein large clustersDwarf NinebarkPhysocarpus opulifoliusintermedius 'Luteus'white to pinkish flower,yellow leaves in sun, yellow/green in shadeRed Twig Dogwood Cornus serviceabright red twigs give winterinterestEmerald 'n GoldEuonymousEuonymous fortuneiEmerald 'n Goldbroadleaf evergreen, goldedges on green leavesMt. Airy FothergillaFothergilla gardeniiMt. Airy'leaves turn bright orange/redin fall20

TreeScientific NameDescriptionJapanese MapleAcer palmatumbeautiful red fall colorSunburst Honey LocustGleditsia triacanthosinermis 'Sunburst'bright yellow/greenleaves in springTri-color BeechFagus sylvatica 'Roseo- green leaves markedMarginata'white and edged pinkVineScientific NameDescriptionClimbing RosesRosamany varieties- red,yellow, orangeTrumpet Creeper VineCompsis radicansorange to orange/redcolor flowersTrumpet HoneysuckleLonicera sempervirensshowy orange yellow toscarlet trumpet flowersClematisClematis jackmaniirich purple flowers21

Plants for FragranceThe sense of smell is the last of the senses to change as we age.Memories may be triggered by sniffing a fragrance experienced inchildhood.Place fragrant plants along pathways so they release their scentswhen brushed against. Some plants yield foliage or flower fragranceon a gentle breeze or by the heat of the sun.Some plant scents can invigorate the gardener, such as lavender orrosemary. Others produce a tranquil mood from their heavy scent,like honeysuckle and wisteria.Try some of these fragrant plants in your sensory garden.AnnualScientific NameDescriptionSweet AlyssumLobularia maritimablue, white fragrantdelicate flowersStockMatthiola incanamany color of flowers,spicy sweet smellHeliotropeHeliotropiumarborescensold fashioned, darkviolet flowers with sweetdelicate fragranceFlowering TobaccoNicotiana alatavery fragrant flowers,open in evening22

PerennialScientific NameDescriptionGarden PhloxPhlox paniculataLavender fragrantflowersLily-of-the-ValleyConvallaria majalisvery fragrant; be awareall parts are poisonousMonardaMonarda didymaminty/basil-likefragranceLavenderLavender angustifoliadistinctive fragranceLemon BalmMellissa officinalistangy lemon scentMintMentha speciosaalso orange, pineapple,and apple scentPinksDianthusspicy fragranceSageSalvia officinalisfragrantSweet WoodruffGalium odoratumsweet hay-like scentScented GeraniumPelargoniummany scents - lemon,rose, lime, and apple23

ShrubScientific NameDescriptionPeonyPaeoniawhite, pink to redflowers, fragrantButterfly BushBuddleia davidiifragrant flowers, attractsbutterfliesDaphneDaphne odoratafragrant flowersCommon LilacSyringa vulgarisfragrant spring flowersSweet Mock OrangePhiladelphus coronarius very fragrant late springflowersRoseRosamany types, colors, andfragrancesCommon Witch HazelHamamelis virginianaspicy scentVineScientific NameDescriptionSweet PeaLathyrus odoratusfragrant flowersMoon FlowerIpomoea albafragrant flowersTrumpet HoneysuckleLonicera sempervirensfragrant flowersWisteriaWisteria sinensesfragrant flowers24

Plants for TouchA great part of the pleasure we receive from gardening comes fromexperiencing different textures on stems, leaves and petals. The feelof fuzzy leaves, peeling bark, silky petals, and velvety stems add anexciting dimension for the gardener in the sensory garden.AnnualScientific NameDescriptionCockscombCelosia cristatavelvety, fan-shapedflower clustersRabbit Tail GrassLagurus ovatusvery soft, fuzzy flower spikesStaticeLimoniummany colors, paperydry flowersStrawflowerHelichrysumbracteatumpapery flowers, many colors,excellent dried flowerGlobe AmaranthAmaranthusround red/pink paperyflowersFountain GrassPennisetumsetaceumgrass-like texture, fuzzyflower spikesPerennialScientific NameDescriptionLamb's EarsStachys byzantinavery soft, velvety gray/greenfoliageWooly ThymeThymuspseudolanuginosusfragrant, wooly flat matSilver ArtemesiaArtemesia caucasicasoft, gray/green mound'Autumn Joy' SedumSedum telephiumsucculent, thickly texturedleavesGayfeatherLiatris spicatafeathery, purple flower spikes25

ShrubScientific NameDescriptionStaghorn SumacRhus typhinabranches covered withvelvety short brownhairsGolden Nine BarkPhysocarpus opulifolius bark peels and flakes'Dart's Golden'HollyIlexthick, leathery, greenleaves with marginalspinesTreeScientific NameDescriptionPaper Bark MapleAcer griseumpapery, exfoliating barkRiver BirchBetula nigramature tree forms barkthat flakes and peels,cinnamon brown color26

Plants for TasteSatisfying the taste buds is one of the best rewards of gardening! Avariety of herbs, vegetables and fruits offer many combinations ofsweet, sour, bitter, and salty tastes. Try edible flowers for an addedtaste treat to salads. Plant a large strawberry pot in spring to bringfruit, fragrance, and color within easy reach in the sensory garden.Don't plant edible plants where pesticides might be used!Edible FlowersScientific NameDescriptionNasturtiumTropaeolum majusedible, spicy tasteViolet and PansyViolaedibleMarigoldTagetes hybridsedibleHerbsScientific NameDescriptionBasilOcimum basilicumculinary herbSageSalvia officinalisculinary herbThymeThymus vulgarisculinary herbMarjoramOriganum majoranaculinary herbTarragonArtemisia dracunculusculinary herbParsleyPetroselinum crispumculinary herbOreganoOriganum hirtumculinary herbFruitsScientific NameDescriptionMelonsmany varietiessweet to tasteStrawberrysweet to tasteVegetablesMany kinds with varying tastes27

Plants for SoundThe sounds of nature in the garden can create subtlemoods. The graceful leaves of ornamental grassesrustling in a breeze, bees buzzing and the sound ofbird activities provide a sense of serenity andexcitement.Introduce other pleasant sounds with running water, wind chimes,fountains, and wind socks. The gardener will enjoy experimentingwith these features to create unique sensory garden environments.PlantScientific NameOrnamental Grassesmany varietiesWind moving through leaves produces soothing soundsQuaking Aspen TreePopulus tremuloidesNot recommended for home landscapes but good for rural areas; leavesproduce soft clicking sound with windChinese Lantern PlantPhysalis alkekengiPerennial, produces loose papery lantern-like fruit, moves with windMoney plantLunaria annuaOld fashioned annual, produces translucent silvery circles that stay on flowerstalks, flutter in wind28

GARDENSAFETY29

Tips to Avoid Injury for the Ambulatory Gardener Avoid lifting objects that are awkward or too heavy. If it is necessary to lift an object, face the object and stand closeto it before lifting. Bend both knees, keep the back straight, and squat down by theobject to be lifted. Use the large leg muscles to help lift, not the back muscles. Use carts and wheelbarrows to moveobjects whenever possible. Lift objects smoothly, slowly, andwithout jerking. Do not twist at the waist - instead, shift feet when turning with anobject. Avoid reaching overhead with both arms and looking upward,which can cause back strain. Avoid a long reach to pick up an object. Bend knees as you dig - this allows the large muscles in the legsto be put to work. Use a low footstool to alternate resting of each leg whenprolonged standing is necessary.30

Wear comfortable, protective shoes. When stepping down from a height of more than 8 inches, stepdown backwards, not forward, to avoid slipping. For gardeners with one-sided legweakness, extend the strongest legfirst when walking up slopes. Bend from the hips, not the waist,when hoeing, digging or plantingfrom a standing position.Tips to Avoid Injury for the Seated Gardener Seated gardeners should work at a height comfortable for theirwork area (see Raised Bed Gardening, page 8). Keep knees slightly higher than the hips to decrease back stress. Provide adequate foot rests for wheelchair users. Use lumbar cushions to provide support for the lower back. Arrange the work area to minimize excessive bending, reachingand twisting at the waist. Use extended handle tools to avoid bending (see Adaptive Tools,page 39). Keep hoses on elevated reels for easier use.31

Tips to Avoid Fatigue Provide sitting areas at regular intervalsaround the garden. Design garden beds at a convenientlevel to sit and work instead of bendingto reach beds. Garden early in the day when temperatures are lower and you arefully rested. Avoid doing several heavy tasks in one day - prioritize tasks. Alternate a task with a rest period. Stretch muscles occasionally and change positions at regularintervals. Carry a portable phone, bell or whistle to summon help if aninjury occurs. Prior to gardening, warm up muscles withlight stretching exercises to help avoidmuscle strain (see Garden Warm-UpExercises, page 34).32

Tips to Avoid Over-Exposure Take frequent rest periods in the shade to avoid over heating. To prevent dehydration, keep a plastic fluid container near the restarea and drink at least 8 ounces of fluids (preferable water) everyhour when gardening in warm temperatures. Use sunscreen and wear UV-protectivesunglasses. Wear a sun hat with a wide brim to protectface and neck. Dress in light fabrics with long sleeves toavoid sunburn and protect fragile skinagainst abrasions. Gardeners on medications may be at higher risk forphotosensitivity reactions when working in the sun - check withyour doctor or pharmacist.33

GARDENWARM-UPEXERCISES34

WARM-UP/COOL- DOWN EXERCISESBefore beginning gardening activities, perform five to ten minutesof slow, rhythmic stretching and low-intensity exercises. During thiswarm-up exercise time the heart rate, body temperature and bloodflow to the body’s muscles will increase gradually. This will helpprevent stiffness, soreness and even injury. Gardeners with healthconcerns should consult a physician before starting a new exerciseprogram.Try the following exercises while sitting:NeckRoll your head gently from side to side.Look to the far right, then to the far left,again holding each position for five seconds.Touch your chin to your chest andhold for five seconds. Tilt headbackward to look at the sky and holdfor 5 seconds.Shoulders and Upper BackLift your shoulders up as high as youcan (as if shrugging), hold for fiveseconds then lower them as far asyou can and hold. Repeat five times.35

WristsMake your hands into fists.Rotate your wrists incircles, first clockwise, thencounterclockwise. Repeatfive times in each directionwith both wrists.BackStart by placing a footstool under your rightfoot. With both arms, gently reach towardsyour toes. Place your left foot on the stool andreach towards your toes. Repeat each stretchfive times.AbdomenSit straight in the chair. Take a deep breath in through your nose,then slowly exhale through your mouth as if blowing out a candle.Feel the stomach muscles flatten as you blow out. Hold stomachmuscles tight after blowing out, then relax. Repeat the sequence fivetimes.LegsSit upright with your knees bent and your feetflat on the floor. Raise one foot up and extendyour leg fully. Lower the foot slowly to thefloor. Repeat five times with each leg.36

HipsPlace both hands on the front part of your rightknee. Raise the knee as close to your chest aspossible. Hold the position for a few seconds,then lower your knee and place your foot backon the floor. Repeat the movement with eachknee five times.AnklesPlace your legs shoulder width apart. Raise thetoes on your right foot off the floor as if tapping tomusic. Do the same with your left foot. Repeat tentimes with each foot.FeetWith both feet flat on floor, raise the right heel(leaving all five toes on the floor). Hold the positionfor five seconds. Alternate by raising the left heeland hold for five seconds. Repeat ten times witheach heel.Following garden activities, spend three to four minutes performinggentle exercises to cool down the muscles to a resting state. Thiswill prevent dizziness and allow the heart rate to return graduallyback to normal.37

38

ADAPTIVETOOLSANDDEVICES1

GENERAL INFORMATIONGardening can be physically demanding when it requires digging,lifting, bending and kneeling. For people with physical problemssuch as loss of strength or mobility, it takes ingenuity to reduce thepain that can result from what should be a pleasurable pastime.In recent years, industry has responded tothe needs of gardeners by adapting favoritetools to make them easier to use. Somegardeners prefer to adapt the tools theyhave used over the years. Each gardenermust decide which is best for his or herown needs.Tips for choosing adaptive tools(* see Product Guide, page 47) Choose from the wide range of hand tools now available.Trowels, weeders, and forks come with soft ergonomically soundhandles, which are less painful for the gardener with arthritis orcarpal tunnel syndrome. Try products which modify the handlesof long tools, such as a D-grip type or T-grip attachment.* Hand tools which locate the gri

Place garden beds near the house for quick accessibility. Place garden beds near a driveway to decrease the distance needed to bring supplies such as plants and soil to the garden area. Keep garden tools and containers within easy reach. Build tool shed doors at least 48 inches wide to accommodate wheelchairs.