When
Edwards joined the Windsor club she noted she was twenty plus years younger
than all the members, and they were at an age where they could no longer work
in and enjoy their gardens. The club was a social one but not a working garden
club.
Edwards,
wife of a chiropractor, studied up on ways the aging gardener could maneuver
outside, tools that made work safer and easier, plus exercises that helped the
aging frame. Whether the aging problem is arthritis keeping the joints from
full function or losing eyesight, balance or memory, Edwards had helpful tips
that can keep avid gardeners in their element.
Using
larger seeds allows arthritic hands to handle the seeds better also bright
plants are easier on aging eyes. Gail Coffee seconded one tip that gave a
positive review to hand massagers that are a proven help for arthritic hands.
Overall
a change in garden routine is beneficial: work one hour a day for five days
rather than five hours in one day.
Edwards
had a list of tools that also help the aging gardener: power and ratchet
loppers make trimming and pruning easier; longer handles increase reach instead
of the gardener stretching and getting off balance; D shaped handles on spades
and digging tools; fluorescent paint sprayed on tools so they may be found when
lost in the garden; and hospital foam to spray on tool handles. The foam makes
a handle that hardens into a custom grip. Battery powered weed eaters and
blowers were a popular suggestion because of their weight, no gasoline smell,
and no cords to trip over.
Edwards
finished by showing the club exercises that help the legs and spine and core.
Because our heads are our heaviest part, she recommends throwing back the head,
stretching back the spine and opening the vertebras to let fluid in. She
pointed out we are up to an inch and a half taller when we lie horizontal than
when we stand.
To
improve balance she recommended raising the knee then the arms and closing the
eyes. Balance exercises are a key to staying healthy and active as we age and
yoga helps with balance. To strengthen the back, Edwards demonstrated pelvic
lifts. Rotating the ankles is a good way to keep strong ankles. One member
shared a tip from her doctor to discourage spider and varicose veins: prop feet
and wiggle the toes for ten minutes. This discourages the pooling of blood in
the legs. Edwards also said don’t cross your feet when you sleep as that
encourages blood clots.
After
the program the club walked Marilyn Carter’s garden that is scenically curved
around the end of a lake. Beds and
borders and unique art keep the eye focused and amused. One bedding area has
lavender and purple flowers blooming in every season. Carter collected and
painted bicycle rims in matching violet shades and they support the taller
willowy plants.
Carter’s
eye catchers sparkle in the sun. They are made from cut glass dishes she picks
up at estate sales and thrift shops and then wires onto bike rims. One favorite
area for the club is her woodsy outdoor gazebo anchored by a large metal
machinery wheel over five feet in diameter. Hanging pots of blooms close in the
outdoor room and Carter divided and shared ground covers and ferns with garden
clubbers. Her blue wine bottle beds and art are attractive eye catchers whether
on a bottle tree or lining the flower beds. Glass and pottery art and bowling
balls add interest and color to the beds. Her newest area is dedicated to Alice in
Wonderland and features checkered paver walkways, elegant silver tea services, roses,
and croquet mallets marking off the flower beds.
After
the garden tour members wound through Marilyn Carter’s equally intriguing home
where they enjoyed lunch. The day
happened to have lower temperatures and we felt the first chill of fall. The
huge pot of homemade soup and plate of sandwiches and tiramisu dessert were a perfect
finish to the meeting.
The
next meeting of the garden club will be in October where the group will take in
the fall plants at the Riner’s at Thunderwood Farm in Woodbury. We will be
joined by master gardeners from LaGrange along with Helen Phillips. Jackie Reynolds and Joan Allen are hosting the
meeting.
