Growing Knowledge: The Illustrated Practical Guide for Seniors

The Illustrated Practical Guide to Gardening for Seniors is an inspiring book that describes the basics of adaptive gardening. Patty Cassidy begins by explaining that there are many intangible benefits of gardening that one does not need to give up because of age. Gardeners need to assess spaces, prioritize tasks, implement labor saving strategies and use low maintenance plants. She wrote this book with the hope of providing a positive view of the ageing process and encouraging seniors to be involved with the gratifying and healthy activity of gardening.

Cassidy skillfully lays out her book in six well-planned and beautifully illustrated sections that provide gardeners with a practical guide to success. First she discusses environments and how to define physical space. This space may be a backyard, an apartment patio, a senior community garden or a receptive garden. Receptive gardens exist in care facilities to promote physical and mental health. They provide patients with attractive, comfortable and serene settings.

Next, Cassidy addresses practical considerations and decision-making. She provides site analysis taking into consideration space, climate, exposure, soil and watering options. Health issues such as arthritis, hypertension, visual impairment and balance are covered with safety suggestions for each issue. Planting options covered include flowers, vegetables, trees and shrubs. She offers additional advice, such as how to attract wildlife to the garden. Cassidy speaks to the necessity for an adjustable design that can meet changing preferences or health demands. She offers suggestions for simplifying the garden “without detracting from its aesthetic appeal.” One should consider low maintenance, sustainable plants and elimination of lawn areas. Patios, decks, balconies and front porches are areas of low maintenance where drip irrigation can effectively be used with attractive containers. Containers are movable, easily changed and take minimal care.

Cassidy invites readers to explore the garden through their senses. These creative spaces should be a pleasurable place to spend time. Color and contrast, beautiful foliage, interesting textures and intriguing smells make the garden a delight. The sounds of wildlife and water features relax visitors. Fruits, vegetables, herbs and edible flowers entice gardeners to keep their sense of taste alive. The sense of touch, such as the ability to feel velvety plants or the mud between your toes, is retained throughout life and provides contact to the world.

The author covers the practical topics of safety and equipment. Safety includes suggestions for warm-up exercises and pacing activity strategies. A safe environment avoids accidents such as falls or injuries from lifting. Fatigue and weariness are responsible for many accidents. Maximizing comfort is about choices for appropriate clothing and the selection of the right tools and equipment to support activities. Cassidy features numerous adaptive tools that make gardening tasks easier. Ideas for tool care and storage are included.

In “Types of Gardens,” Cassidy includes ideas and projects that ease some of the more mundane tasks. Flower, fruit, vegetable, herb, raised beds, patio, vertical, indoor and container gardens are covered. Projects, techniques and photographs help the reader adapt each type of garden to their unique needs.

Cassidy includes helpful reference sections and resources at the end of the book. The “Plant Directory” is a comprehensive list of plant choices selected for their appeal and ease of maintenance. It's packed with garden plans, projects and step-by-step instructions. Readers may likewise value the “Useful Addresses” and “Hardiness Zones” sections.

The Illustrated Practical Guide to Gardening for Seniors reminds us that gardens are magical places that stimulate creativity, keep us physically fit, fill our lives with pleasure and keep us young at heart.

Enjoy!

Patty Cassidy is a registered horticultural therapist and master gardener. She oversees therapeutic gardening programs for senior gardeners.

(Re-printed from 2011)