The Life Stages of Gardening

You never like to consider yourself getting older, but I have found myself at the point of having no other choice. Gardening for me has always been a true love experience. I love to put my hands in the dirt, I love to make things grow, and I love to reap the benefit of that love. The problem with getting older is that I can’t do the things I used to do. In my younger days – which weren’t that long ago – I could get down on the ground to weed, dig and plant. I could spend hours bending and picking produce or pruning and dead heading flowers. Sadly, I can’t do that anymore. After having my knees replaced and multiple back surgeries, I am just not able to carry on as before. Knowing how much working in the garden means to me, my wonderful husband continues to experiment and innovate new ways for me to do what I love. 

My primary focus is raised beds now. Initially, they were 12-15 inches high and I could sit on the edge to work the beds. As my abilities have grown more limited, the beds are growing taller allowing me to sit 20-30” off the ground and eliminate most bending. I share this with you to make sure you understand that just because you grow older, it doesn’t mean you need to sacrifice the things you love. You just need to consider other options.

Gardening has always been a blessing and an escape for me – one I’m not willing to sacrifice due to bad knees and an aching back. 

Think outside the box and do what you love – no matter your age!