The garden is one the of the greatest parts of any home. It’s the place where you can sit, relax and enjoy the wonderful sounds and scents of nature.
However, when you’re a wheelchair user, getting out into the garden is easier said than done, let alone maintaining it.
But not to worry, because we’ve come up with five fantastic ways to make your garden wheelchair- friendly.
- Low maintenance plants
Plants that require lots of care attention can make it difficult to keep up with the demands of a garden, so you should choose low-maintenance plants instead.
This includes slow growing plants which require little attention, and drought-tolerant plants which are hardy enough to survive if you’re not able to get outside and water them regularly. For inspiration, take a look at this low-maintenance plant article on media site Medium.
- Raised beds
Raised flower beds help make your garden more wheelchair user friendly because they save you from having to bend down, which can cause injuries such as back strain.
Everyone’s needs are different, so make sure that you take the time to research and determine which raised bed is going to be best for you based on your individual capabilities. You should consider the height, shape and depth.
- Adapted tools
When it comes to gardening tools, you should opt for lightweight products with wide handles, as these allow for a better grip and you’ll be able to spend longer gardening before tiredness kicks in.
Alternatively, you can head to a specialist tool store such as NRS Healthcare, because it stocks adapted tools designed to make gardening activities less strenuous and more manageable.
- Stairlifts and ramps
If steps are stopping you from enjoying your garden, you should consider getting an outdoor stairlift. They can be operated using a convenient remote control, and more importantly, you’ll be able to access your garden safely.
For shorter, gentle gradients within your garden, installing a ramp is an practical solution that enables safer access between levels. If you do install a ramp, make sure it has a good grip and is wide enough to accommodate a wheelchair.
- Matting
Matting isn’t just for parks and playgrounds – it makes a superb and sturdy garden surface that can withstand the British weather, is easier to maintain than grass, and, most importantly, your wheelchair will be able to glide over it with ease.
If you think your garden could benefit from a fabulous matting area, check out a mat specialist such as Kleen-Tex and get inspired.
It’s clear that there are plenty of ways to transform your garden into a wheelchair-friendly zone, where you can enjoy the great outdoors to your heart’s content – what changes will you make to yours?
What other ways are there to make your garden wheelchair friendly? Share your ideas in the comments section.