Our Top Tips for getting into the Garden

Gardening Tips:

Gardening is a great way to get exercise, enjoy the outdoors, and grow your own food. It can also be a relaxing hobby that can help to reduce stress and anxiety. Gardening is a great activity for people of all ages, but it can be especially beneficial for older people.

Gardening Tips for Over 65's

There are a few things that older people should keep in mind when gardening. First it is important to choose plants that are easy to care for. Some plants that are good choices for older people include:

• Annuals: Annuals are plants that die after one season. They are easy to grow and can be planted in a variety of locations.
• Perennials: Perennials are plants that live for multiple seasons. They can be a good choice for older adults who want to add some colour to their gardens without having to replant every year.
• Vegetables: Vegetables are a great way to get fresh produce and save money on your grocery bills. Some vegetables that are easy to grow include:
  • Tomatoes
  • Lettuce
  • Peppers
  • Cabbage
  • Beans

Second, it is important to make sure that your garden is accessible. If you have difficulty bending or kneeling, you may want to consider raised beds or trellises. You may also want to invest in some gardening tools that can help you to make gardening easier, such as a raised bed garden cart or a kneeling pad.

Third, it is important to listen to your body and take breaks when you need them. Gardening can be a strenuous activity, so it is important to pace yourself and not overdo it. If you start to feel tired or sore, take a break and come back to the garden later.

Gardening can be a great way to stay active and healthy as you age. By following these tips, you can make gardening a safe and enjoyable activity for yourself.

Our Top Tips:

Here are some additional tips for older people who are interested in gardening:

• Start with a small garden. A small garden is easier to manage and can be a good place to start if you are new to gardening.
• Ask for help. If you need help with gardening, there are many people who can help you, such as your grandchildren, neighbours, or local gardening clubs. Your care assistants can help to support you to access your garden and even help to water your plants!
• Be patient. Gardening takes time and patience. Don't get discouraged if you don't see results immediately. Just keep at it and you will eventually see the fruits of your labour.
• Enjoy the process. Gardening is a rewarding hobby that can provide you with years of enjoyment.

Gardening Benefits for those living with Dementia:

Sensory gardens are great for older people living with dementia or sensory impairments. Scents from Sweet Peas, Pelargoniums and Roses can stimulate memories. Touch can be stimulated from Stachys and Bergenia leaves, tree barks and grasses. Verbena, Strawberries and edible flowers are a taste sensation. And the garden will come alive with audio stimulation by planting grasses or popping seedheads like Love-In-A-Mist. All will encourage birdsong, butterflies and bees for an idyllic English country garden.

You don’t have to be a gardener to enjoy your garden.

Birdwatching: Birdwatching is a lovely pastime. Bird tables and feeders make it easy to enjoy the different birds that visit a garden, particularly during the winter months. It’s also good exercise to have to replenish the bird food every now and again.

Garden Share: If space allows, you could ask someone to take some of your garden for their own gardening needs in exchange for sharing its management. They get a garden and you or loved one get theirs maintained!