the dirt on soil - growing healthy communities · accessible gardening. duke farms is a leader in...

Presented by:

Melissa Almendinger,

Garden Coordinator, Duke Farms Foundation, Hillsborough, NJ

malmendinger@dukefarms.org

Accessible Gardening

Duke Farms is a leader in environmental stewardship and inspires visitors to become informed stewards of the land.

The mission of the Duke Farms' Community Garden is to offer members the opportunity to grow fresh, organic food while connecting with nature and your community.

Why do we garden?Meditation Stress reductionPhysical activity + reduced stress = less diseasePrevents “nature-deficit disorder.”Makes people happyMeditationProvides an outlet for creativitynurtures a sense of pride & accomplishmentImproves mental capacityHelps you sleep betterCalming to the mind and bodyBeneficial microbes in the soil- good for your healthSocial aspectsSense of purposeSensory stimulationConnecting with natureVitamin DHelp people live happier, healthier, more meaningful lives

Horticultural Therapy & Therapeutic Gardening

Horticultural therapy helps…• improve memory, cognitive abilities, task initiation, language

skills, and socialization• strengthen muscles and improve coordination, balance, and

endurance• individuals to learn to work independently, problem solve, and

follow directions• encourage people to be outside, get fresh air & sunshine

A Therapeutic Garden is specifically designed to meet the physical, psychological, social and spiritual needs of the people using the garden.

Therapeutic Gardens may be located at hospitals, psychiatric facilities, nursing homes, assisted living center, retirement facilities, daycare centers, prisons.Often designed to accommodate individuals with the widest range of personal conditions

“Accessible”

“Universal Design”

“Handicap”“Average”

“ADA”

"Building for Everyone: A Universal Design

Approach" provides comprehensive best practice guidance on how to design, build and manage buildings and spaces so that they can be readily accessed and used by everyone, regardless of age, size ability or disability

“Special Needs”“Disability”

• Garden Beds- length, width, height

• Ground surface

• Path sizes

• Filling the beds

• Watering

• Waste disposal

• Bathroom access: ramp, landing, bathroom size & shape

• Sloped surfaces

• Parking

• Gate to the garden

There were many things we considered:

Project Consultant:Jack CarmanDesign for Generations, LLChttps://designforgenerations.com/