Hey everyone! I'm looking for some advice on how to repair and maintain my garden. I've done a lot of thinking and searching online, but I still don't have a solid plan. A little background: I'm a 37-year-old single parent of three kids (7, 10, and 12) and I have a Labrador. Due to a physical disability from a spine issue worsened by an unfortunate attack in 2023, I now use a wheelchair part-time, or crutches when I can. This has significantly affected my grip strength and my ability to tend to my garden.
Gardening used to be my passion - I loved both indoor and outdoor plants, turning my home into a tropical haven. However, my ex-husband's bullying made me shy away from it, and now my garden has turned into an unmanageable mess that I can only look at from the window. I've tried various DIY fixes, but nothing seems to work. I can't really afford to hire help or install astroturf, so I'm hoping to find ways to make improvements that fit my budget and physical abilities. I want to create a space where I can enjoy some fresh air, watch my kids play, and hang out with friends. Ideally, I'd love for it to be more like grass than a muddy patch!
If any of you have creative ideas or visions for my garden that could help kickstart my imagination, or practical advice on how to approach this situation with my limitations, it would be greatly appreciated!
3 Answers
If the kids aren’t really using the trampoline or climbing frame, why not pave over the area for better accessibility? You could pave the whole yard and have space for some garden toys, making it accessible for yourself. For the flowers, consider using pots that you can manage without kneeling. That would definitely make it easier for you!
It sounds like you have a lot going on! Maybe start by thinking about whether your garden should be more of a playground for the kids or a relaxing space for you. If you have too many play structures, it might make it hard to include more plants and improve the grass. I suggest keeping a few essentials and removing the rest to make room for gardening and relaxing. That way, you can have a nice area for picnics and enjoy the outdoors!
I can relate to your situation! A simple gardening approach might work best for you. How about keeping the patio and putting down landscaping fabric with decorative stones instead of grass? It’ll cut down on the muddy mess, and you can have raised borders that are easier on your back. Collect some pots for flowers and maybe even a small greenhouse for fun! This way, you can still have a beautiful space that's manageable and enjoyable.
Totally agree! Simplifying things will help a lot. Maybe relocate the trampoline to make more lawn space. Also, consider reseeding and keeping kids away from the grass for a bit to let it grow back nicely.