Gardening with Arthritis

» karenp2 - Gardening with arthritis

Dear Diana,
I am not an avid gardener. However, I always thought I would become one some day. I did plant two small gardens last year, before the arthritis got me. I would have planted more, IF I HAD KNOWN THAT I WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO CONTINUE GARDENING IN THE SAME FASHION THIS YEAR.
Anyway, that's history. I am waiting for hip replacement surgery. My date is May 11th. The other day, I was able to rake the leaves off of the perrenial flower garden plot. Because my expectations are so small because of the pain and the exhaution I experience, removing the leaves and finding life beneath them, was thrilling.
I had planted some pinks last year in another part of the garden. When I saw them yesterday, I was so happy that I had taken the time last year to plant.
To me, gardening is one of those activities which offers so many lessons. DON'T PUT OFF TODAY, WHAT CAN BE ACCOMPLISHED. YOU NEVER KNOW IF THE OPPORTUNITY WILL COME AGAIN.
I expect that many people will be interested in your column. There are a lot of us out here who need to continue doing what we love, even if we have to make accomodations.
Thank you.
karenp2

-- posted by karenp2

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» Gay_Klok - Arthritus

Dear Karen,

I garden with many "hot spots" of arthritus. I suppose it depends what kind of arthritus you suffer from but I am not letting it stop me! I am really bad in the morning and it takes a while before I can get my limbs going. While I don't stop, I can keep moving in the garden. When I come into the house some hours later, I am "done for"! I could not manage this without the help of my husband who will cook the evening meal and allow me to relax in a chair [usually being entertained by Suite101.com!] before starting another day.

Gardens for arthritus sufferers are now looking beautiful in our Botanical Gardens. All these gardens are raised so the gardener is able to weed, plant etc without having to bend. many of my friends have had the hip operation most successfully. If you decide to have it then I wish you speedy recovery. Last wekend an 88 year old friend of mine came to visit our country garden. Mavis has had both hips "fixed" and is a keen gardener. I couldn't help but be amazed how she rambled through our 8 acre garden!

-- posted by Gay_Klok

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» Leanne - Designing a garden for people with physical disabilities

I am the Head of Information Technology at a High School in Chorley, Lancashire, England. The school has recently formed a partnership with a local hospital. The hospital specialises in rheumatic and orthopaedic conditions.

A group of Year 9 students have designed a garden facility for patients to use. The facility included, raised flowerbeds, seating areas, pond, dipping platform automated greenhouse and much more. The students have carried out a lot of research with health professionals, landscapers and patients. They presented their ideas to the Board of Trustees recently and were met with much enthusiasm.

It is envisaged that the project will form part of the hospital education and rehabilitation programme.

Although we have had some interest from local businesses we still have a long way to go before we can begin to start the project. The project will cost a total of £30,000. It is anticipated that development will take place in three stages.

We are currently designing a web site that will show all of the designs. A preliminary site has been established attached to the school site under current events:

http://member.aol.com/sthlands

Any ideas that people have for fund raising/grants etc would be much appreciated.

It is hoped that the hospital and school will form a long term partnership and thus benefit patients, pupils and the local community.

Thanks

-- posted by Leanne

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