If you have a disability, what helps you in the garden?

[janeandmarysmum]

In particular, if you struggle to stand for any length of time, what helps (if anything). I'm thinking of buying a lightweight stool to use in the greenhouse and would be grateful for recommendations. Any anything else!

I bought a Gorilla Cart dump wagon. Fantastic for moving compost, pots, anything. Strong and manoeuvrable.

I've got one of those kneeler things. I don't use it to kneel on but it helps to support me at the side while I'm kneeling and getting back on my feet again. The last one I bought was a Crystals Garden Kneeler Seat from Amazon for someone else, £13.95 and it's proved very useful for them and not too heavy.

Long handled things might be useful for you if you need to sit @janeandmarysmum , they'll give you a further reach without having to move position so often. I like Spear & Jackson's razorsharp pruner, it has an excellent grip which I also find useful for pulling some weeds out (although you have to be careful not to cut the buggers because it is very sharp).

Have a look at Wolf Garten, they have all sorts of things to suit many needs, I can highly recommend the multi change tools.

This doesn't help with standing, but my mum with arthritis is very happy with her Wolf Garten Comfort secateurs. They take their 10 year warranty seriously - after three years the spring broke, and they sent her two pairs to make up for it!

I've worked with a group of gardeners with varied needs, the kneelers with handles were always popular. Long and mid handled trowels less so - people struggled to control them as they're just too small. If you're planning from scratch, elevated beds (sitting height) are useful.

Personally? I use my PIP to pay for a gardener!

Not very helpful, I know!

I have bought a leaf scooper upper thing but I've not tried it yet. It has long handles, so no bending down.

If you can't stand and you are able to get down and back up, use a kneeling pad. Safer down there, not so far to fall and you will see and do more the closer you are. It's dirtier, but if you love gardening, who cares?

Thanks - I'm not quite there yet!

Thanks - I do appreciate my kneeling pad!

I do need new secateurs so will look into these - thanks!

Thanks - really helpful.

I'd love one of these!