Homes & Gardens: Rebecca’s Gardening Tips for Seniors

With a little assistance and creativity, seniors can continue to enjoy the kind of gardening that they’ve always loved, says gardening expert Rebecca Kolls. Following are six tips for seniors and the family caregivers who help them. For a free four-colour “Making Gardening Fun Again for Seniors” guide, call Home Instead Senior Care at 905.847.8433.

Herbs grow anywhere and are great for seasoning

Kitchen herb gardens are wonderful for seniors
The more you pinch and pick the herbs, such as basil, parsley and chives, the more vigorous they grow

Think height, filler and spiller

When you’re creating flowerpots, consider height, filler and spiller
Plant a variety that will grow at least two times as tall as the container
Fill in with plants that will grow to no more than half of the height of the taller plants
Plant a variety that will cascade over the pot

When it comes to annuals, pack them in

When you create flowerpots, pack your annuals in because they will become root-bound and grow up and over the pots
You’ll get drama and a beautiful arrangement

Look for equipment that can make the job easier

There are many wonderful tools available that can make gardening easier for anyone including seniors
Bud-Eze tools are a good option, as are bionic gloves
The Arthritis Foundation has a product and services directory for senior gardeners and others with mobility problems available by visiting their site.

Garden right outside your front door or back door

Container gardening allows seniors access to flowers or vegetables in one pot and also gives them the height that helps make gardening easier for them

Team with others to garden

If a senior can’t garden anymore, enlist the help of others who might enjoy sharing the work and any produce or flowers from the garden
Or call Home Instead Senior Care to find a CAREGiver who would enjoy gardening with that person
Log on to Home Instead for the closest office to you or your senior loved one

For more senior gardening ideas, visit Home Instead,Rebecca's Garden, or Seasons by Rebecca. Log on to the non-profit National Gardening Association’s Web site to discover zone maps and other gardening advice.

Information provided by Scott Johnson, Home Instead Senior Care.
Phone: 905.847.8433
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