Gardening can be an enjoyable and accessible hobby. Here are some practical tips for spending time in your indoor or outdoor garden.
Work with the space you have
If you have limited space or apartment living, consider vertical gardening using shelves, hanging baskets or countertop planters. Plants like succulents are low maintenance and an indoor herb garden can be lovely and fragrant as well as useful in cooking.
Emphasise fragrance
Include fragrant plants like lavender, gardenias and mint for a more sensory experience.
Choose high-contrast colours and interesting textures
Bright flowers and contrasting foliage are easier to see. Plants with unique textures like lamb’s ear or bottlebrush are lovely and tactile. You can also mark plants with bold coloured tags or bump-dots on tags to help identify them.
Gardening groups
Local gardening groups are a fantastic way to connect with others who share a love of plants and the outdoors. These groups may host workshops on topics like vegetable growing, natives, or ornamental gardening. Gardening groups are often organised through community centres, local councils or online platforms such a social media or neighbourhood forums. Share tips and maybe even build some lasting friendships.
Technology can be useful
Apps for plant identification, magnification, or voice assistance can enhance your gardening experience.
Create accessible pathways
Where space permits, it’s helpful to make pathways that are wide and even. If you have limited space, you could consider tactile edges for safe navigation, and non-slip surface materials.
Consider raised garden beds
Raised garden beds or planter boxes can be a wonderful addition to any garden, especially if you have limited space. They can also make gardening more enjoyable with easier access to plants and reduced strain on the back.
Organise your tools
You could organise your gardening toolbelt or caddy by marking tools with high-contrast colours or bump-dots for easy identification.
Consider water features and wind chimes
The soothing sounds of flowing water or gentle chimes can create a calming atmosphere and auditory markers that can help you navigate the space.
Whatever space you’re working with, garden life can add sensory-rich joy and relaxation.
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