Meet Patty Ericson-Taylor, a lifelong gardener whose love for plants is matched only by her passion for helping others discover the joy and healing that come from getting their hands in the soil. Patty believes that gardening should be for everyone, no matter your age, ability level, or experience.

In the adapted gardening video featured in this series, Patty invites us into her garden, sharing simple techniques, creative modifications, and heartfelt encouragement for anyone looking to make gardening more accessible. Her enthusiasm is contagious, and her story reminds us that growth happens in many forms, sometimes in our gardens and sometimes within ourselves.

To help you get to know her better, Patty answered 15 thoughtful questions about her journey, her favorite gardening hacks, and what motivates her to sow seeds of inclusion every day. Her responses are honest, uplifting, and full of practical wisdom.

We hope her insights inspire you to step outside, try something new, and create a garden space that works for you.

Story & Motivation 

Can you share a little about your journey after your stroke and how it led you to discover adapted gardening?

My spouse, Dawn, has always enjoyed gardening, and before my stroke, I was her “head weeder.” After my stroke, many of my usual activities had to be altered or adapted so I could continue participating in things I loved, such as hiking, biking, and kayaking. Dawn encouraged me to go outside with her on nice days, and she would explain her gardening tasks—the how and the why—which made it increasingly interesting to me.

What did gardening give you emotionally or mentally during your recovery?

Gardening gave Dawn and me something we could nurture together. Since my stroke, I have often felt like I have lost much of my impact on life, on myself, and on others. Gardening gave me something beautiful and tangible that I could create and care for, and it allowed me to nurture something that truly feeds my soul.

How did stepping away from your career as a chef impact your sense of identity, and how has gardening helped you rebuild that?

I never realized how much my work as a chef defined me until after my stroke. Being a chef filled so much of my life. I could be creative, and I loved presenting food so people’s eyes could feast before their taste buds did. It was also my financial security and my social life, and I still grieve losing that career. Gardening has challenged me to learn new techniques and has given me a new sense of satisfaction as I grow and produce nourishing foods and herbs that I can use to create something wonderful for my family.

Adaptive Methods & Practical Tips

What physical challenges do you still face, and how have you adapted your gardening style to work with your mobility needs?

Some of the physical challenges I still experience include left-sided weakness and wearing an ankle-foot orthotic on my left leg. My left knee does not reliably bend, and I use a walker or wheelchair for safety and gait support. My left hand and arm also have strength and mobility limitations, and I am easily fatigued because my brain is constantly working overtime. We have adapted our home and yard to allow me to participate from a seated position as much as possible.

What are your favorite adaptive tools or modifications that make gardening accessible for you?

Some of my favorite adapted gardening tools that have helped me the most include drip irrigation, long-handled watering wands and tools, lightweight watering cans with long necks, a satellite hose spigot stand, and a sit-on garden cart with pneumatic tires. I also use closed-grip and ratcheting pruners, as well as seed tape—my favorite—because it eliminates the struggle of placing tiny seeds with limited fine-motor control.  Some helpful modifications include raised garden planters on my deck, pots set in stands for accessible height, and a ramp to reach my lower yard, where my in-ground raised beds are located.

How do you set up your garden space to reduce strain and increase independence?

I arrange my deck beds and pots in a work triangle (center, left, and right) so I can sit on my walker and have all my tools accessible on my right side, which is my stronger side. This setup allows me to work independently with minimal strain.

What advice would you give someone who wants to start gardening but feels intimidated by physical limitations?

Start small. There are many tools and modifications available to help you work around your weaknesses or limitations. Visit your local garden center and explore what is possible. Focus on what you love: flowers, herbs, and vegetables, because passion and joy are powerful motivators.

What small, beginner-friendly gardening projects do you recommend for someone with limited mobility or stamina?

Some great beginner-friendly ideas include browsing a seed catalog for inspiration, planting an herb garden in a pot or raised planter on your porch, or in a small pot in your windowsill. Grow a patio tomato, plant potted flowers or bulbs, grow microgreens, learning about bonsai, try countertop hydroponics, or use a mushroom log kit on a porch or patio.

Mindset & Encouragement

What surprised you most about what you could do once you started gardening again?

I was never really a gardener before, but now I’ve been bitten by the gardening bug. In many ways, it feels like the sky’s the limit.

Can you share a gardening moment that made you feel proud or accomplished?

I was never fond of kale, but the kale I grew was sweeter and better than anything I had tried before. We enjoyed many delicious salads with kale, strawberries, and grilled chicken. We also grew pumpkins—volunteers from our compost—and used the roasted puree to make our Thanksgiving pie.

What encouragement would you offer someone who feels they’ve lost their purpose due to disability or a major life change?

Don’t be afraid to try new things, because they can bring new purpose and self-gratification. If something feels hard or becomes an obstacle, step back and look for ways to adapt it. Ask for help and allow yourself to be vulnerable. New learners often need guidance from seasoned pros.

Connection to Chef Background

How does your love for cooking influence what you grow?

My cooking background heavily influences what we plant. I choose ingredients that support favorite recipes such as salsa, pesto, eggplant parmesan, salads, and homemade pickles. My culinary experience helps guide our garden planning.

Community & Impact

How has gardening helped you reconnect with people, family, community, or other stroke survivors?

Food has always brought people together, growing it, preparing it, and sharing it. Food is a cultural bond that connects us in both sorrow and celebration. Flowers also bring beauty, light, and love to others.

What do you hope others with mobility limitations will take away from your adapted gardening journey?

I hope people simply start. Whether you buy a book, a seed packet, or a tool that makes gardening easier or more understandable, just be brave and begin today.