Factors such as advancing years, disabilities and poor health through accident or illness can limit what an individual can do in the garden. However, in most cases, it is possible to still enjoy gardening. A wealth of information is available on designing and adapting the garden, specialist tools and equipment, inspirational gardens and how to apply for funding for specific projects.
A range of organisations and services that might be helpful are listed below.
Thrive A charity producing a wealth of gardening information on their gardening website for people to start or continue gardening with a wide range of disabilities.
If you do not have access to the internet you can contact Thrive’s National Office at: The Geoffrey Udall Centre, Beech Hill, Reading, RG7 2AT Tel: (0118) 9885688 (please note: Thrive are unable to handle general gardening enquiries) Fax: (0118) 9885677 Web: https://www.thrive.org.uk
Arthritis Research UK Comprehensive ‘Gardening and Arthritis’ booklet available free to download Tel: (0300) 7900400 Web: www.arthritisresearchuk.org
Herefordshire Growing Point A local charity advising individuals on how to adapt their gardens, and develop their gardening skills. Tel: (01544) 262186 Web: www.growingpoint.org.uk
Royal National Institute for the Blind (RNIB) RNIB, in partnership with Thrive, have developed a wide range of services providing information and guidance to gardeners who have sight loss. Tel (0303) 123 9999 Web: www.rnib.org.uk
Many organisations specialise in selection and sourcing of suitable tools and gardening equipment.
Assist UK Disable Living Centres throughout the UK provide opportunities to see and try products and equipment as well as offering professional advice on the most suitable items. Use the postcode search facility on the website to locate the nearest centre. Tel: (0161) 832 9757 Web: www.assist-uk.org
Disabled Living Foundation Offer advice on selecting and sourcing tools. They have an Equipment Centre in London where people can make an appointment to visit and try out some tools. Tel: (020) 7289 6111, (Mon–Fri 10am to 4pm) Web: www.dlf.org.uk
Fredshed Garden and DIY tools tested by Fred Walden, garden writer and equipment consultant to organisations including the NHS, charities and universities. Web: www.fredshed.co.uk
Peta (UK) Ltd Designers, manufacturers and suppliers of ergonomic tools, aids and assistive devices, for people suffering from arthritis or reduced gripping strength. They stock a range of Easi-Grip® and long reach tools. Tel: (01376) 573476 (Mon-Fri 9am–5pm) Web: www.peta-uk.com
Remap Specialises in the construction of custom-made, technical aids for people with disabilities. Use the postcode search facility on the website to locate the closest regional contact. Web: www.remap.org.uk
There are many organisations possessing/running demonstration gardens and here is a selection.
Thrive To arrange a visit to the Thrive demonstration gardens telephone or email the manager via the website www.thrive.org.uk. Thrive Trunkwell Garden Project, near Reading, Berkshire, (0118) 988 4844 Thrive Battersea Garden Project, London SW11, (020) 7720 2212
BUPA Many residential care homes have sensory gardens. Web: www.bupa.co.uk
Capel Manor College Sensory garden and gardens designed for wheelchair users. Tel: 0303 003 1234 Web: www.capelmanorgardens.co.uk
Herefordshire Growing Point Examples of raised beds, containers, paving materials and tools can be seen by arrangement at the charity’s demonstration garden. Tel: (01544) 262186 Web: www.growingpoint.org.uk
Shaw Trust A national charity supporting disabled and disadvantaged people into work. Demonstration and working gardens can be found at many of the Trust’s centres. Contact the Trust via the website. Tel: 030 0303 3111 Web: www.shaw-trust.org.uk
Accessible Gardens The website provides information on the accessibility to gardens for children, disadvantaged families and disabled people. It allows garden visitors to report on their visits to gardens and has a directory of gardens in England and Wales. Web: www.accessiblegardens.org.uk
CLA Charitable Trust To promote education in agriculture, horticulture and conservation for those who are disabled or disadvantaged. Tel: (01636) 823835 Web: www.cla.org.uk
Gardening for the Disabled Trust The Trust aims to help those who are disabled and would like to actively participate in gardening. It offers financial assistance and practical help and advice. Contact the Trust via email or letter. The Secretary, Gardening for the Disabled Trust, P O Box 285, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN2 9JD Web: www.gardeningfordisabledtrust.org.uk
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