I love water in the garden. The sound of water trickling somewhere nearby is so peaceful to listen to. However, Alzheimer’s and gardens don’t always mix well. If you are planning a water element for your garden, you should avoid ponds and waterfalls. Large fountains can also be a problem. A small fountain attached to a wall at the Alzheimer’s patient’s eye level is a better, safer option. That way, you both can enjoy the water’s soothing sound without having to worry about water safety.
When you plan out your raised bed’s design, you will want to consider the needs of the Alzheimer’s patient who will be enjoying it:
- Does he or she have other problems, such as bad eyesight? If so, look for plants that are fun to touch, like lamb’s ear, and plants with powerful scents, like miniature roses or lavender.
- Are you concerned that your loved one might try to eat some of the plants? Use strawberries, carrots, pansies and other edible plants in the bed. (Yes, you can eat pansy blossoms!)
- Does he or she want to do the planting? Choose large seeds, such as peas, sunflowers, or four o’clocks.
With this beautiful spring weather, it is time to discuss something I have been thinking about lately - gardening with Alzheimer’s patients. You’ll need a raised bed so it is easy for the patient to work. A wide, low wall that he or she can actually sit on is ideal and not too expensive to make if you use cinder blocks, rebar and cement to make it. Remember not to make the bed too wide or long. You want to be able to easily reach the entire bed from one side or the other.
Go two layers of block high and hammer the rebar down through the open sections of two blocks to anchor them into the ground. (I set mine so that half of two bottom blocks were under the top layer. Staggering them this way makes the wall sturdier.) When you are finished securing the wall with rebar, pour cement into the holes and smooth it out to make a level top for your well. Let it cure.
After the cement has hardened for a day or so, it is time to fill the bed with soil. I use a combination of one part manure, one part compost and two parts top soil. Fill the bed to the rim. The soil will settle on its own in a few days to leave room for mulch. Now, you have a place where Alzheimer’s patients, including those who are wheelchair bound, can garden easily.
