We hear it all the time how good gardening is for folks . Fresh air and exercise and all. But what if health issues interfere with gardening? What if that very fresh air is the bane of one’s existence?
There have been wonderful garden adaptations for folks who have problems with mobility – raised beds, container gardens, adaptive tools, etc. But what of us who are plagued by the weather? What adaptations can we adopt?
I have eczema. Have had it since I was 12 or 13. Heat & humidity make it flare*. So, what am I and folks with eczema, psoriasis and other similar illnesses to do? I’m beginning to think that the answer is to garden in the fall, winter and spring. I’ve come to the conclusion that living in Missouri is the reverse of living in New York. Instead of huddling inside during the deep mid-winter watching the snow fall and reveling out-of-doors the rest of the year, I now know that I have to plan on huddling around the AC vent during the deep mid-summer and revel outdoors when the temperatures & humidity drops. (It’s either that or move to the high dessert; and, my beloved said he just doesn’t want to go there.)
I realized, belatedly, that there’s no reason I can’t put in that stone patio in November or December rather than June. Same with landscaping. There really isn’t that much snow here in Missouri. I have access to the ground for much of the fall, winter & spring. I just have to plan on getting out early in the day to take advantage of the shorter amounts of daylight. Funny to think that we get caught in our traditions of what can and can’t be done at certain times of year.
So, cold weather, bring it on!
*Please don’t send me ideas of remedies. Trust me, as a medical librarian, I’ve scoured the literature and have met with dermatologists.
3 comments:
I like the idea of gettting out of the rut of thinking that you can only do certain things at a certain time. Good luck with your patio making.
Do you have lots of indoor plants to play with? Your idea is very creative. I live in a condo, so my "garden" is on my lanai(balcony).
When our nation faces a recession, it becomes receptive to the notion of gardening for both economic benefit and pleasure. Imagine new vegetable gardens across the countrysides, in the suburbs and patched throughout the cities. As we face food price hikes—despite relief in gas prices—and cancel big-ticket purchases and investments, we turn to our gardens for comfort and sustenance.
Garden Food for thought
Post a Comment