Enabling Tools & techniques

Paved, gravel, grass, dirt and stone pathways can all be maintained to be smooth and accessible. Glares on paved pathways can also be a concern, but some unique options exist to overcome this. 

Working with potted plants provides a lot of flexibility since most reasonably sized ones can be moved around as needed. repotting is a good activity for all ages, or plants can be moved to raised beds or brought inside.  

Many company’s design tools that help make them user friendly to people with limited range of motion, arthritis, or are in a wheelchair. For example many tools are offered with Extended, Telescopic, and/or Ergonomic handles. 

Increases accessibility for those who cannot bend over, be on their knees, or get up and down easily. Can also be created with an overhand where a wheelchair can roll underneath. Raised beds also Creates a clear line between path and garden bed, which prevents trampling of young plants. 

This can look like archways, plant cages, teepees, & fences covered in climbing plants. Some great plants to grow on a trellis include beans, peas, squash, cucumbers, climbing nasturtium, and grapes. 

These are a great option along paved pathways next to windows, where they are wheelchair accessible.  Visibility from the inside increases appreciation of these snall gardens. Pansies are a common spring and fall window box flower.