If you, or someone you know, are having a difficult time doing chores in the garden that you used to never give a second thought to, take heart.  There are a number of companies that sell therapeutic tools today that allow for continued gardening even if the back is sore, or the knees don’t bend like they use to, or the arthritis has set in in the hands.  Two of these are local Colorado businesses!

Look for oscillating hoes, one-handed flower snips, ratcheting pruners and loppers, long-handled pruners, trigger-grip trowels, and other ergonomic garden tools at one of the following stores in the Denver area:

• Birdsall and Colorado—1540 S. Broadway—303-722-2535—http://www.birdsallgarden.com
• Youcan Toocan—2223 S. Monaco Parkway—303-759-9525—http://www.youcantoocan.com

And while you’re in Denver, stop by the Denver Botanic Garden’s (DBG) Center for Horticultural Therapy located across the street form the main entrance to the DBG on the corner of 11th and York.  There you will see not only ergonomically designed garden tools, but also adaptive gardens with raised beds that will provide you with inspiration to create your own accessible garden.

Don’t let a minor injury or a major illness prevent you from continuing your passion for gardening.  With a few changes there are many more years of gardening in your future.

For any questions you have on this article, or any topic of concern, email us—or better yet, come by and talk to one of our professional staff members.  Remember, Phelan Gardens is open year-round! 

For additional information, check the following links:

• Special Garden Tools Help the Physically Challenged
• Accessible Gardening for the Physically Challenged