Thank you for joining this class on adapting your garden as you age. We explored how physical and lifestyle changes can affect the way we garden, and shared helpful strategies to keep gardening enjoyable, safe, and manageable in later years.

Key Takeaways and Next Steps

Plan for Change Before You Need It

Anticipate how your needs may shift with age, such as reduced mobility or energy, and adapt your garden now. This might include simplifying layouts, hiring help, or reorganizing tasks to be less strenuous.

Creative Solutions for Maintenance

If hiring professional help isn’t an option, consider bartering services with neighbors or family, or even sharing garden space with others who can help maintain it.

Keep Gardening Accessible

Whether you're downsizing, moving to a community, or staying in place, think about using containers, raised beds, or shared garden plots. Gardening doesn’t have to be on a large scale to bring joy.

Enjoy the Many Health Benefits

Gardening supports both mental and physical health. It offers exercise, helps maintain strength and flexibility, and reduces stress. Just be sure to pace yourself and take breaks to stay safe and energized.

Be Mindful of Health & Safety

Use protective gear, stay hydrated, and watch for hazards like uneven paths. Consider wearing glasses on a cord, using sunscreen, and having a small first aid kit nearby while working outdoors.

Use Tools Like Journals and Timers

A gardening journal can help track what works and when to do tasks each season. The Pomodoro technique, working in 25-minute bursts with short breaks, can help prevent fatigue.

Mulch and Weed Barriers Help Maintain Order

For those struggling with weeds, using weed-suppressing membranes and topping them with bark or gravel can save time and energy over the season.

And remember: Always consult with your healthcare provider before beginning a new exercise or gardening routine, especially if you have physical limitations.