Anne covered quite a range of topics, from major makeovers, where the garden is modified with extra paved areas to allow complete ease of movement for wheelchairs and make it safer for those using walking aids, to other smaller changes which could just make life easier.
She mentioned raised beds, low maintenance plants to reduce the workload, seating areas strategically placed and types of surfaces which reduce the risk of slipping when wet or covered with moss, algae etc.
She also talked about gardening tools and equipment. She mentioned expandable water hoses and coiled hoses that do away with the hard work of winding and unwinding from a hose reel. Anne also suggested using cordless equipment such as mowers and trimmers to reduce the risk of tripping on power cables, and finally showed examples of hand tools with modified grips for people with hand problems.
It was a very useful talk with lots of practical ideas to enable people to continue enjoying their gardens despite reduced mobility or other health problems. We will certainly be inviting Anne back to talk to us again.
MEANWHILE........
Don't forget our Christmas Tea on 14th December, with snacks, quizzes, musical bingo and Gerald's spectacular Christmas Table centrepiece! He's promised it will be even better than last year's!