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Gardens For Invalids
INVALIDS NEED NOT be deprived of the stimulating and delightful experience which comes from active participation in gardening.
Indoor and window box gardening are the more obvious solutions. Hut modern design gardens and automatically controlled greenhouses have opened up new horizons. Partially disabled gardeners are now able CO more fully share in the revitalizing contact with growth and fruitfulness of plants.
Many gardens of today have large paved areas, raised plant beds, elevated outdoor planter boxes and portable boxes or pots at seat level. Groundcovers instead of grass practically eliminate ground level clipping or stooping which keeps general maintenance at a minimum.
This type of garden needs little or no special construction for wheel chair invalids. Even patients allowed only use of their arms and hands and those prohibited from heavy lifting or digging can participate in the gardening hobby. All may fully enjoy the beauty, adventure and relaxation accompanying daily contacts with nature.
A light trowel, hand cultivator, clippers and a small hand-type spray would take care of all the maintenance required. A portable rack can easily be attached to the side of a wheel chair to conveniently hold all necessary equipment. Lightweight plastic hose and other improved garden tools also help to reduce body strain.
The modern greenhouse oilers garden fascination bordering on magic. Where physical ability is restricted, bur time is not, greenhouses present unlimited opportunities for pleasure and recuperation.
The fully automatic, glass-bound atmosphere produces endless varieties of abundant growth. You can recreate a plant's natural surroundings to grow palms in Alaska, cacti in New York and orchids anywhere. You are the master of light, humidity, temperature, water and air. In fact, you can create almost any climate, to grow anything, you might fancy.
Greenhouses are available in many sizes, and a moderate size house often costs no more than a good TV set. Benches are built high enough to reach without stooping. Plant materials used in greenhouse gardening are lightweight, consisting mostly of peat moss and leaf mold. Small, easily handled pots are the rule. Aisles in most greenhouses could easily accommodate a wheel chair or high stools.
