© Copyright – Independent Living Centre of WA (Inc.) Independent Living Centre of WA (Inc.) The Independent Living Centre of Western Australia (Inc.) is a not- for-profit community service organisation providing impartial, expert advice on equipment, resources and information for people with disabilities, frail aged, their advocates, carers and service providers.

© Copyright – Independent Living Centre of WA (Inc.) Assistive Equipment Country Services Free information advisory service reaching people in country areas. Appointments Enquiry Line Database & Website

© Copyright – Independent Living Centre of WA (Inc.) What can ILC do for you? Help increase / maintain independence Support with short term hire of equipment Provide advice when purchasing equipment ILC does not sell equipment Provide risk management strategies

© Copyright – Independent Living Centre of WA (Inc.) Gardening Tools and Tips by Erica May – O.T.

© Copyright – Independent Living Centre of WA (Inc.) LOOK AFTER YOUR BACK Prepare with warm-up exercises Eliminate bending Spend short periods at each activity Alternate light and heavy tasks Use correct lifting principles Have a simple, low maintenance garden

© Copyright – Independent Living Centre of WA (Inc.) Design Tips Consider inexpensive options for materials. Be aware of the maintenance required for your garden – the type of plants you choose will affect this. Only make your gardens twice as wide as your arm length. This allows you to reach all of the garden. Design spaces where people can sit directly in front of and as close to the workspace as possible.

© Copyright – Independent Living Centre of WA (Inc.) Raised Garden Beds Gardens can be designed to meet your individual requirements and personal tastes. They are suitable for most homes and gardens. The garden can be raised to a height you are comfortable working at.

© Copyright – Independent Living Centre of WA (Inc.) Table Top These gardens are easy to construct and are particularly useful for wheelchair access. Shallow soil beds will require frequent watering. Angled Table Top The angled base allows greater soil depth and also wheelchair access.

© Copyright – Independent Living Centre of WA (Inc.) Box Type Easily constructed in many different shapes and sizes, gardeners are free to stand, sit or move around if desired. Garden Wall These attractive gardens can be constructed to an appropriate height for the individual when there is limited space available.

© Copyright – Independent Living Centre of WA (Inc.) No Dig Gardens Made from organic material, compost, newspaper and lucerne hay. Can be built on almost any surface e.g. raised beds Reduces the amount of effort involved to maintain the garden.

© Copyright – Independent Living Centre of WA (Inc.) Hydroponics The process of growing plants in sand, gravel or liquid, without soil and with added nutrients. You can grow your plants at a height that suits you. May be combined with fish ponds - Aquaponics

© Copyright – Independent Living Centre of WA (Inc.) Modified planters, hanging baskets and pot stands Hanging baskets can be pulled up and down so they are within easy reach. Can be inside or outside. Pots can be moved to a suitable location to work on.

© Copyright – Independent Living Centre of WA (Inc.) Long Handled Tools Pave Weeder Long handled Hoe Various heads/attachments

© Copyright – Independent Living Centre of WA (Inc.) Hand Tools Modified hand grips Ratchet secateurs Bulb planter Wide range of hand tools

© Copyright – Independent Living Centre of WA (Inc.) Outdoor Tools Electric Lawn MowerGarden kneeler/stool Wheelbarrow alternatives Garden Rocker

© Copyright – Independent Living Centre of WA (Inc.) Additional Safety Measures Slip resistant paving and tiling Slip resistant paint on applications Emergency Call Systems

© Copyright – Independent Living Centre of WA (Inc.) Garden Additions Worm Farm Bird Baths Compost heaps Animals Fishponds Sensory Gardens

© Copyright – Independent Living Centre of WA (Inc.) References /Gardening_people_with_disabilities?Open

© Copyright – Independent Living Centre of WA (Inc.) ILC Contact details The Niche, Suite A, 11 Aberdare Road Nedlands WA 6009 Telephone: Web: