• Managing at home tags

We would like to share some of our top tips for gardening. Gardening is a great way to keep active and over the last year many of us have become gardening enthusiasts! Whether you have a small window box or space to create flower beds, you may find some of these tips helpful to stay independent in the garden.

1. 1. 1. Organising your storage areas can help with locating tools and other items. Tools with coloured handles and brightly-coloured items may help. Marking items with large labels and storing in containers helps with identification.
      2. Gather all the tools you need before starting to avoid trips back and forth. Using a bucket for example can help keep items together while you are working.
      3. If you need to prune a shrub, tie a piece of string after your first cut, you can then use the position of the string to check the length of branches or shoots for your next cuts.
      4. Weeding can be difficult but with some initial sighted assistance, you may be able to learn to recognise common weeds by smell and touch.
      5. Using bright markers can help with identifying the position of your plants.
      6. When using canes or stakes it is a good idea to put something over the end to avoid injury when bending to the plant, for example a cork or foam ball.
      7. If you need to space plants, you can use a piece of string with knots at the distance required. This can also help you keep straight lines if pegged down .A bamboo cane lying on the soil can also help with this.
      8. Using pots and containers can make it easier to locate and maintain your plants.
      9. Think about colours and contrast in the garden regarding plants, edging, fencing, garden furniture and surfaces.
      10. Choose plants that add sound, scent, or colour to your garden. Adding sounds and movement with garden ornaments can help with finding your way around and enjoying your garden.