Love it or hate it gardening is one of life’s relentless challenges, how can you even contemplate keeping on top of it all, especially when clearly, I am about to recommend you remember to pace yourself and consider your posture. Why do we even have gardens, when they are such hard work?
There’s nothing like sitting outside admiring your handy-work on a summer evening, chatting with friends over a barbeque or playing swing-ball with the kids. I wouldn’t, however, recommend you buy an inflatable limbo set from amazon, that will definitely end in tears. So, what is the answer?
If you can maximise your garden enjoyment by minimising your spinal risk and your workload with low maintenance options, then you are onto a winner. This approach can be great due to its modern aesthetic appeal and the promise of easy care, hopefully just leaving you a few pots to water. Have you considered going artificial?
Why not throw out your mower in favour of artificial grass, this is a far more convincing than ever before, and it may even cut down your summer allergies. If this is not for you then perhaps getting someone in might help you avoid all those garden pitfalls. Raised beds are another option, but what are the benefits?
There is more room for the roots to spread in search of nourishment, so you won’t need to water as often, therefore there’ll be less need for heavy watering can carrying, once that hosepipe ban kicks in. Although from a back-care perspective it is well worth considering filling your can with less water and consequently making more trips, to reduce the strain caused by heavy lifting and carrying.
Weeds cannot spread as far in a confined space and tightly packed plants will crowd them out further, again reducing your workload. Learning to like your weeds may also be well worth consideration. Bending and reaching are a great cause for concern, raised beds can help on this front as crouching may be sufficient and if you can get all the way around the outside of them then this will cut down on your need to over stretch. Otherwise, long handled tools can greatly reduce your need to bend, and where this cannot be avoided padded kneelers can make all the difference, limiting your time and varying your tasks will also help plus please avoid digging at all costs.
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