Arthritis Research UK Garden is Blooming Marvellous!
Congratulations to Arthritis Research UK on their beautiful
garden now being exhibited at the Chelsea Flower Show
.
(RHS IMAGES)
Designed by Chris Beardshaw of BBC2’s gardening programme
‘The Beechgrove Garden’,Chris has had a form of rheumatoid arthritis since his early teens and this inspired his creation.
It reflects the journey of someone with arthritis across
three garden areas. Each area has been designed to show the different emotional stages, from the confusion
of diagnosis in ‘The Veiled Garden’, to
support from charities such as Arthritis Research UK in The Lucid Garden’ and then
finally to managing the condition in the beautiful and aptly named ‘Radiant
Garden’.
We know that many of our customers really enjoy their
gardening and we have some top tips to make sure that you can make the most of
it.
- Before you start, try to do some simple warm up stretches, remember don’t over-do it, listen to your body.
- A full watering can is a heavy load to lift, try to use a sprinkler system or a hosepipe if you can ( and judging on the winter we have just had, we don’t think a hosepipe ban will be in force this summer!)
- Make sure that you use both hands when you have to lift pots, seed trays and compost. For the really heavy tasks don’t be afraid to ask for help, whether it’s a friend, neighbour or professional gardener.
- Try not to hold garden tools too tightly as this can hurt your hands, add on handles and arm support cuffs might help with this
- There are also some clever garden tools which have special ergonomic handles so that you don’t put too much strain on your wrist- see here gardening tools .
- Gardening can be back-breaking! Try to make sure that you watch your posture and stretch out your back regularly. If you have difficulty bending use a set of long reach garden tools that allow you to take the strain out of gardening.
- Finally after all your labours, enjoy a warm relaxing bath, you can put a few drops of lavender essential oil into the water or try Pernaton Relaxing Bath Therapy .
