Gardening: Strategies for Life, Living Well with Vision Loss

Mary Beth Caruso, Certified Vision Rehabilitation Therapist
May 1, 2009

Joseph, a character in Anne Perry’s novel ANGELS IN THE GLOOM states “Daffodils always seem brave and beautiful, like a promise that things will get better. It doesn’t matter what winter is like, spring will come eventually.”  Thank goodness! During the month of April people were talking about two topics: taxes and getting their hands in the earth!  After a long New England winter we are grateful for signs of spring and the wonderful promises for warm weather, fresh air, sweet smells and new growth. All of this is invigorating for every age no matter what one’s experience with gardening or one’s ability to see.   

Consideration should be given to the following areas so that gardening becomes a pleasurable activity and not a chore:

• One’s abilities - if bending over is difficult, a raised garden bed may be a good option or if endurance is low, a garden located closer to the door will help conserve energy;
• Access to a water source- if a hose is not available, a smaller garden, close to the house will be easier if one has to water from a jug;
• One’s interests- cooks might enjoy an herb garden, avid entertainers might want flowers for cutting and  arranging, lovers of wildlife might select varieties of plants to attract butterflies, or readers might choose tall grasses that sway gently making pleasant background noise;
• One’s commitment- if a garden feels overwhelming perhaps container gardening is a good place to start or if away for the summer then a garden that can grow wild without lots of maintenance makes sense;
• Space & sun available- one can “play in the dirt” in a window box, on a patio, deck, yard or anywhere in small containers to multiple smaller gardens to huge beds as well as lighter weight plastic “terra cotta looking” containers on wheels that can be moved around to catch the best light; 
• One’s level of vision- someone with low vision may select plants with dark leaves and vibrant colors flowers for contrast, someone with no vision may select plants according to texture (don’t we all love pussy willows!) or vision will have no impact on decisions.

New gardeners and those who have not been digging in the earth for many years, perhaps due to life changes, health concerns or vision loss, could benefit from arranging for a private “guided tour” of the tools and appliances in the yard & garden aisles of the small local hardware store or the large chain home stores. Think of this as an exploratory mission only; leave the credit card behind until it is clear the scope of the garden to be prepared.  Having such a tour of a local nursery to investigate the flora with a knowledgeable person is also useful. Many garden centers offer classes, as do most community adult education programs. What a great way to spend time with friends or to make new ones. There is nothing like shared excitement about a new project to inspire and motivate! Next month’s column will discuss preparation for gardening.

Perkins Outreach Services for Ages 55 and Older, Outreach@Perkins.org, 617-972-7643.

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