Gardening and Horticulture
Gardening is a satisfying way to connect with the out-of-doors, relax, and grow herbs, vegetables, and flowers for the home. Gardeners who are blind or visually impaired will find horticultural advice, encouragement, and a wealth of practical tips for enjoying this popular hobby.
Below is a list of topics you'll find in this section. Click on a title to jump to a specific topic.
Gardening Tips and Techniques
Accessible Gardening Environments: For Blind or Visually Impaired Gardeners, Infinitec
Techniques for gardeners who are blind or visually impaired.
Adaptive Gardening Techniques for the Visually Impaired, Oregon State University Extension Service
Methods and techniques that make gardening simpler for those with a visual impairment. Topics include design, seedlings, tools, and maintenance. Also available in pdf.
Blind Seniors Garden Too, Braille Monitor, National Federation of the Blind
Pat Munson shares her experiences as gardener who is blind.
Gardening for Blind or Partially Sighted People, Thrive
Thrive has worked for over 30 years with gardeners who are visually impaired. They offer tried-and-trusted techniques for gardening with blindness or low vision.
Gardening for the Blind: Tips for People with Impaired Vision, Purdue Extension Services
Practical tips for planning and maintaining a garden.
Gardening for Life: A Guide to Garden Adaptations for Gardeners of All Ages and Abilities, Washington State University Master Gardeners, Spokane County
This 96-page publication has sections on design, safety, garden warm-up exercises, adaptive tools and devices, strategies for the visually impaired, and additional resources.
Gardening Information Pack 2008, Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB)
This 12-page fact sheet includes helpful hints for garden design and some pointers for getting started.
Gardening Tips, Kent Association for the Blind
Gardeners who are blind or visually impaired share tips for getting around in the garden, weeding, hoeing, watering, feeding, and caring for seeds and seedlings.
Gardening Tips If You are Blind or Have Low Vision, VisionAWARE
Suggestions for mulching, marking rows, plant selection, and more.
How Does Your Garden Grow?, Lighthouse International
Tips and resources make gardening easier and more fun.
Seeing with Other Senses: Gardens for the Blind, Herb Companion
JoAnn Gardner describes the benefits of gardening: connecting with nature, relaxation, and the satisfaction of growing food and herbs.
The Visually Impaired Gardener, Garden Fountains
Suggestions for designing a garden, choosing and arranging plants, and on-going maintenance tips.
Container Gardening
Accessible Container Gardening, The Accessible Friends Network
Sue Pallett, a British gardener who is blind, shares tips on container gardening, including planning and design, planting, and feeding.
Container Gardening, Hadley School for the Blind
This online course covers planning, establishing, and caring for a container garden.
The Garden Path, American Foundation for the Blind—Senior Site
Detailed information on container gardening, including labeling tips and selection of soil and containers; includes a list of plants that grow well in containers.
Fragrance and Sensory Gardens
District 13F Lions Sensory Garden, The Ohio Lions
Designed and maintained by the local district of Lions International, this garden is “A Symphony for the Senses.” Flowers and plants are specifically chosen for their fragrances and textures.
Gardening for the Senses/The Sensual Garden, Purdue Extension Services
Gardening suggestions and list of plants that appeal to taste, smell, touch, and hearing.
Barrier-Free Design
Designing Gardens and Nature Trails 2008, Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB)
Design guidelines for accessible gardens and nature trails; suggestions for fragrant garden plants.
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