Monroe County Master Gardener Association

I’m not the best writer but here’s a short post with some photos:

I’ve made major changes to my garden this year. Much hard work has gone into it. But I used some advice I gave on a presentation to help me manage all the work. Now that I’m 70, it’s harder to do a full day.

First off what do I benefit from gardening as a senior? It’s low impact exercise and I’m not sitting idle around the house. All that digging and moving things improves my strength and dexterity. I get the benefit of all that fresh air and sunshine. It takes some focusing and keeps the mind sharp. It also requires you to increase your attention span on one area at a time. Although, I often find myself jumping from project to pulling weeds. Gardening has always help me with stress. It lowers the level of stress that I have. Mainly because it gets my mind focused on something else rather than what may be stressing me out.
I’m sure all this exercise reduces the risk of heart attack and stroke. However, don’t stay in the heat too long.

Now to begin with a few stretching exercises. Bending, lunging, stretching out my side will all help avoid injury during my digging. Next, I get out the tools. They include my favorite shovel and a wagon (or wheel barrel). I use these every time I plan to do a project. The wagon carries the heavy plants, soil and fertilizer. It saves trips back and forth into the garage as well.

I’ve also prepared the garden for low maintenance. I’ve replaced many of my jumbled up beds full of various plants into massed plantings of single varieties. I take a morning walk through the garden and “pull as I go” the weeds that pop up overnight. After that, I begin any changes needed. Early morning is best to do a large project. The sun is not out yet, there’s shade, and it’s cool. I’ve been planting shrubs, such as hydrangeas and roses. They seem to requires less maintenance.

I’ve adjusted my type of gardening as well. I vertical garden, making it easier to reach, water, and there are few weeds. Raised beds also help with the bending. As so many of you have visited my garden, you will remember the multiple seating areas I’ve placed around the yard. It sure helps for a quick break.

I have 3 watering areas right now, but hope to do some drip irrigation next year. Each of the hoses are non kinking, and are on an automatic hose reel. It runs with the water pressure. I’m not cranking that hose; which saves my back. I try to keep plants within my reach for watering. Self watering containers also help.

Adding walkways to move along also help. You should try and avoid tripping hazards. However, my walkways don’t follow that tip. My problem is I love aesthetics, it’s the designer in me, So you can see there are a few tripping hazards in my pathways.

That’s not the only advice I don’t follow. Gloves should be worn. Although often, I like to just get my hands in that soil. I’m more concerned with a good shoe to wear. They should be comfortable and protective.

After all this, take a great break and enjoy the fruits of your labor.