Gardening for those with Developmental Needs
A garden can be a special place for adults or children with special developmental needs. Watching plants grow from seeds, caring for living things and reaping the rewards of a job well done help encourage perseverance, independence and self-esteem. Gardening can be a social experience, a physical therapy activity, a lesson in problem solving or all of the above.
Garden Planning
Paying thoughtful attention to the layout will improve the odds of your gardening experience being successful and fun. Raised beds and clearly defined walkways help eliminate confusion about where to step.
Paths covered with smooth materials, such as pea gravel or mulch, are less likely to be tripping hazards than uneven cobblestone or brickwork. Keep paved walkways in good repair. Paths should be wide and kept clear of equipment and tools.
Container gardens will allow growing plants to be picked up and examined, while protecting them from being trampled. For gardeners with coordination or strength issues, choose lightweight pots made out of shatterproof material.
Make sure the garden is equipped with appropriate tools. Children with developmental needs should use smaller shovels and hoes. Adults may need tools with thick or padded handles.
Water hoses are difficult to keep organized and can easily become a tripping hazard, so opt instead for watering cans. Have a specified area to store tools and teach gardeners to place inactive tools and materials there.
Choosing What to Plant
It is usually a good idea to include a few plants that will produce fruit or flowers quickly. Seeing early results will help gardeners with developmental needs stay interested in the process. By letting each gardener choose one or two plants, the garden becomes personal and important.
For developmental needs gardeners with coordination or vision problems, using larger seeds that are easier to see and pick up will be less frustrating.
Keep in mind how fragile a plant is before deciding to put it in the garden. You do not have to avoid plants that are challenging to grow but be sure to put some sure winners in as well.
Your Time in the Garden
To make the most of each session, plan several short gardening periods and allow frequent breaks. Bring drinks and snacks with you to minimize the distraction of trips inside.
Tell gardeners the importance of the task they are doing so that they understand how it fits into the larger picture of the garden. No one wants to do busy work. Those with developmental delays will take more pride and interest in their work if they know that watering, weeding, planting and cultivating are needed to help plants thrive.
Use What You Grow
Help foster excitement about working in the garden by actively using plants you grow. Flowers can be displayed, dried or incorporated into art projects. Vegetables can be cooked, preserved or given away to neighbors. Gardeners with special developmental needs take special pride when they are reminded that the beans they are cooking or the arrangement decorating the table came from their hard work.