"My green thumb came only as a result of the mistakes I made while learning to see things from the plant's point of view."
H. Fred Ale

Tips for Gardening with the Elderly
Hardscapes
Rejuvenating Annuals

Tips for Gardening with the Elderly

• Paint the handles of garden tools a bright color so they can be easily located
• Use adaptive tools with better leverage and improved grips to make gardening easier
• Work early in the morning or late in the day
• Gardening in raised beds will provide a place to sit while working
• Make sure the soil is light and can be easily worked
• Take frequent rests in a cool place, keep a leisurely pace
• Wear loose, lightweight clothing, drink plenty of water and use sunscreen
• Install plants that trigger memories
• Gardening with others will provide a sense of security and safety
• A distinctive and familiar focal point allows for easier orientation and helps reduce confusion

From The Ohio State University Extension Fact Sheet Series "Gardening With the Elderly" by Jack Kerrigan

TOP

Hardscapes

Hardscapes are any inanimate objects that make up a part of the landscape. They can add structure and interest to an otherwise barren landscape. A hardscape could be as simple as a gravel walkway or as elaborate as a paver patio with steps and retaining walls.

The size and placement of hardscapes are determined by the purposes for which they will be used. Several factors to consider when designing a hardscape feature include; how many guests the client entertains, the architectural compatibility of materials with the house, and the transition from hardscape to landscaped areas. Bricks, interlocking pavers, concrete products and natural stone are some of the material choices available today.

Picking up, cleaning and relaying existing patios and walkways can dramatically improve the appearance of your landscape. Sometime it isn't always necessary to start over from scratch. If the material is aesthetically pleasing and in good condition you may want to consider re-using it.

The addition of hardscapes and surrounding landscaped beds can create a more usable space, soften the angles of a house, disguise a huge and imposing house, and create a comfortable space for relaxation all at the same time. Call our office today and our staff will help you create an inviting and relaxing entertainment area for your family and friends to enjoy.

TOP

Rejuvenating Annuals

In our Garden Visit program we include the maintenance of annuals as one of our services.
Caring for your annuals will ensure that they will look great all season long. Sometimes, even with proper maintenance, by mid-season annuals will need to be rejuvenated. Ends of stems can be cut back to nodes (where leaves are attached to stems); buds will later break from the shorter stem.
For some annuals with very fine foliage, shearing the plant back with
hedge shears is required.

Fertilize annual plants if they have not been fertilized earlier in the summer. Keep the plants watered as needed through July and August to keep them growing, flowering and looking good.

Annuals need to be continually deadheaded throughout the season to encourage rebloom, eliminate seed production and self seeding as well as maintain compactness.

TOP