Along with the above, unique sensory qualities are the most important elements when considering a plant palette for the home enabling garden. Gardens tended by gardeners with disabilities tend to be on the small side, making it especially important to bring as much sensory interest as possible into the garden. It is a fun challenge to seek out and include plants that engage more than one of the senses.
Ornamental grasses rustle in the slightest breeze, engaging both the eyes and ears |
Ornamental grasses rustle in the slightest breeze, engaging both the eyes and ears |
Banana mint can engage the sense of smell for individuals that are visually impaired |
Geraniums release their aroma when bruised |
Raised garden bed and large potted plants with flowers |
A lily plant within an accessible garden. |
Clearly, taste has broad appeal and is fortunately satisfied with thousands of available vegetables, fruits, and herbs. Many are very ornamental and mix well with flowers. Engage the sense of smell by growing some of the hundreds of herbs and flowers that fill the air with fragrance. Plants should also be included that invite touching with fuzzy leaves or interesting bark, stems, and flowers. Keep some 'scratch-and-sniff' plants within reach. Scented geraniums and herbs release their aroma when bruised. Plants such as ornamental grasses rustle in the slightest breeze, engaging both the eyes and ears. Of course, our eyes are entertained with the nearly unlimited colors, forms, and visual textures offered by the plant world.
Using a wooden clothes drying rack to dry flowers keeps everything at an easy to reach height for wheelchair users
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Purple flowers
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As experience is gained, one can branch out and explore the nearly infinite possibilities available to gardeners everywhere. Whether trying different kinds of plants in different combinations, the newest varieties, the exotic, or the old heirloom grown by a great grandparent - the possibilities are endless.
Yellow flowers
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Setting up an accessible or enabling garden requires a bit of ingenuity, but when it is complete, large or small, the gardener with a disability can achieve the same level of independence in the garden as other aspects of everyday life - and likely be a bit healthier in the process.