Frequently Asked Questions
We are all students of the garden...

What makes The AbleGardener™ furniture different from what is available through gardening catalogs on the market today?

The AbleGardener™ Gardening Table is the first of our growing series of garden furniture designed to support the every day needs of home gardeners, heath-care professionals serving people with disabilities, seniors, children and people recovering from injury or illness. Each table is handcrafted using the highest standard woodworking methods to assure a sturdy and reliable product. The classic arts & crafts design goes beyond ADA recommended guidelines resulting in an attractive and functional piece of garden furniture. All hardware is stainless steel. All of our products have been prototyped and tested for durability and usability.

What kinds of plants can be grown in The AbleGardener™ Gardening Table?

After two years of product testing we have found that a surprising number of flowers, herbs and vegetables can be grown. It is best to start with small easier to handle transplants (six-packs) purchased from a garden center, but many can be grown from seeds. Choose from hundreds of annual plants 15 to 18 inches high or less at maturity like many kinds of marigolds, Zinnias even dwarf tomatoes and plants that cascade around the edges like wave petunias. Many herbs like rosemary, sage, oregano and thyme are perfectly happy as well as radishes, spinach and many different kinds of lettuce and bunching onions for the salad bowl. In the shade the Gardening Table performs equally well with impatiens, various kinds of begonias, coleus and many others. The key to success is routinely checking for dryness and water well as needed, particularly as the season progresses, plants mature and roots fill the liner, plants may need daily soakings.

Where can I use The AbleGardener™ Gardening Table?

The AbleGardener™ Gardening Table can be used in the home patio or deck garden as well as anywhere people lack access to a plot of ground such as those in high rise buildings apartments with balconies. It can also be used at a complete range of healthcare and human service agencies serving people with disabilities, older adults in supportive and skilled care settings and those recovering from illness – anyone for whom traditional ‘down on your hands and knees’ gardening is too challenging. This will include rehabilitation centers, hospitals, assisted living and skilled care agencies serving older adults, Special education schools and vocational training sites. The table works best when placed in sun on pavement for those using wheelchairs, canes, walkers and other ambulatory equipment.

How can a therapist use The AbleGardener™ Gardening Table?

This depends a great deal on the functional abilities and preferences of the individual and the treatment plan but evaluations conducted by licensed physical therapists observing individuals with impaired mobility actively gardening indicated the table clearly facilitated exercised range of motion, both fine and gross motor skills and eye hand coordination. Encouraging use of the table while standing can exercise balance and coordination conversely the seated gardener emphasizes stabilizing trunk muscle groups. ‘Exercise’ that occurs while engaging in a meaningful and enjoyable activity. Of course the Gardening Table can be used simply to offer safe comfortable gardening experiences that are just for fun.

What can be done to improve the comfort and safety of Gardening Table users?

Avoid gardening during the hottest hours of the day or move The AbleGardener™ Gardening Table to the shade; sunscreen and a hat are important as are a pair of favorite gardening gloves to protect sensitive skin. An apron with handy pockets to carry things works to protect clothes while seated. Take frequent breaks and rotate tasks so different muscles and joints are used, such as planting, misting, pruning, harvesting or watering.

Where can I learn more about barrier free or Enabling Gardens?

Visit the American Horticultural Therapy Association www.ahta.org to identify a nearby horticultural therapy program to visit. The people running it will be able to help with ideas, tool recommendations and plant advice. Similarly the Chicago Botanic Garden has an onsite demonstration Enabling Garden and Adaptive Tool & Equipment Collection staffed by experts. Horticultural Therapy programs, design workshops and a number of publications available to assist in setting up an Enabling Garden at Chicago area agencies and private homes. (www.chicagobotanic.org/therapy) The National Council for Physical Activity and Disability based at the University of Illinois at Chicago has a number of great articles posted on their website that offer detailed information and links to other resources www.ncpad.com