Almost all of us are familiar with people who suffer from a disability in one way or the other, however, there are few who create an accessible garden for people with disabilities, making back garden barbecues and patio shindigs hard for those with disabilities.
There are a few easy changes you can make in your garden to ensure anyone can gather outside and experience a pleasant summer gathering. You can adapt your garden to make it more accessible for people with disabilities by following the tips listed below.
Wheelchair Mobility
The UK has over 1.2 million wheelchair users, though gardens are usually out of bounds due to their inaccessibility. Adding a ramp from your door to the garden is the first step in making your garden wheelchair-friendly, so those in wheelchairs or in a mobility aid won’t trip over objects on their way from inside to outside. Also, it is a good idea to install a ramp on any raised areas of your garden, such as decking, so that your garden is wheelchair friendly.
Paths are commonly included in wheelchair garden designs. Thus, the wheelchair’s wheels will have a smooth and free surface that is free of bumps, and other possible obstructions, which could interfere with its movement. Additionally, visually impaired individuals or those who use a walking aid can walk on a path without worrying about tripping hazards. Ideally, the width of the path a wheelchair user takes should be at least one metre.
Keepable
Garden maintenance tasks like mowing the lawn might prove challenging for disabled people. A natural lawn is also problematic for those with disabilities and wheelchairs. Among these hazards are uneven terrain, divots in the ground, cracks, and foliage that gets caught in the wheels. Having a natural lawn has many potential pitfalls.
It’s also a hassle to water your plants and apply weedkiller, something that disabled people may find troublesome, according to their abilities. Installing artificial grass is a very feasible choice for seniors or otherwise disabled gardeners.
Plant Organization & Grouping
When you have plants of different needs going about your garden, you’ll have a lot of work on your hands. Those perennial plants in shade that don’t require much water should all be gathered together, and veggies that require daily watering should be near each other as well. Watering tasks become a lot easier this way. Furthermore, your hose pipe can be fitted with a connector to water various batches of plants.
Invest in Useful Gardening Equipment
If you want to get the best results from your garden, you should use the best tools, extra items, and other equipment that you can afford. You’ll waste your money on cheap tools if they easily malfunction or cause more trouble than they should. You may find that inexpensive seeds you buy have poor germination rates, and soil you pick up on sale could potentially be depleted of nutrients.
Check whether you are using the right tools. Steel handles, lifetime warranties, and a high level of craftsmanship are important characteristics to look for. Typically, tools acquired from locally owned, smaller hardware and gardening outlets will be of better quality and workmanship than those obtained from high street vendors.
Garden With The Growing Cycle
Last but not least, don’t overwork plants. Take advantage of the natural cycle of the seasons. When you plant the wrong plant at the wrong time, you’re only going to have problems. You can also spread out your plants based on the timing of their development and ripening. Plant plants that grow slower and faster later or earlier than those that grow fast so that they do not reach maturity simultaneously. Then you will both be able to extend your harvesting season and make your life a lot easier as well.