In my neighbourhood there are a few elderly gardeners. I have learned a lot from some of them about gardening. But many of them have health problems, that prevents them from getting all the things done in their gardens they want, when climbing ladders and carrying heavy loads, or even bending down becomes HARD. I have seen them struggle, in pain but not complaining.
Some have roses on arches that are striking features in their gardens, but they can not climb ladders to prune and train these any longer. I know how much joy my climbing roses give me, so I help them with some of the things they are unable to do, and they really appreciate the help. I do it for charity and do not accept any money for helping them, even if they offer it.
Being blessed with a strong body is a gift not to be taken for granted. Sharing that blessing to help out elderly gardener neighbours is charity - Gods love flowing through me. Charity - or Love, in this sense of an unlimited loving-kindness towards all others, is held to be the ultimate perfection of the human spirit, because it both glorifies and reflects the nature of God.
I encourage you to find an elderly gardener in your neighbourhood, that might need some help in her or his garden a few times every year. Be an example of charity and the Love of God.
Lan Su Chinese Garden
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14 comments:
We reap what we sow. Very nice post Niels.
This is a touching post. I appreciate what you are doing. I am now in that elderly group and my garden is showing it. Makes me sad, but I try to focus on what is left. Keep up your good work; you are a dear for helping.
How very compassionate! I hope when I get old & infirm I have a neighbor like you. I have had to do more each year in my mom's garden as she is increasingly not able to do those garden chores she used to. You're right, doing the work for someone who can't is its own reward.
How kind of you Niels. Your neighbors are blessed having you in their midst.
Seems to me there are few things in life that bring as much joy and satisfaction as making our world a better, more beautiful place by helping others.
I was a Residential Manager of an Independant and Assisted Living Facility about 10 years ago...and besides giving up their homes, not being able to garden was a major loss to many of the elderly...to remedy that, we started a few garden areas within our retirement community..with the help of staff and the maintenance dept. - it was a huge success - I admire your effort to bring light to this issue...I enjoyed this post very much!
Thank you for your kind words! None of us are getting younger and it takes good health to maintain a garden. Many do simply not have the health as they age and have to be less ambitious about their gardens. Like Barbee said it makes many sad. My neigbour is not elderly but has schlerosis, and like my help.
I hear that many elderly simply have to give up their houses, when they can not maintain their gardens anymore or can not afford to hire help.
I am happy to hear that some try to make gardens near Homes with assisted living facilities for elderly. They do that here too - but this year I noticed that the gardener there, pruned the roses in mid may - right before the roses where setting buds. Big sigh - I will contact the management and offer to prune their roses. on time and correctly,
I am also happy to hear that many volunteer and help maintain large gardens.
I just wanted to raise awareness about the need many elderly have for a little help, with their gardens. It takes me about 5 minuttes to remove a small tree, but I have some struggle hours to do the same work, costing them a lot of pain and medication in order to recover. I am only happy to help around the neighborhood.
I hope when I get older that someone will give me a helping hand too!
It is also an issue when designing gardens. Plan ahead and be realistic and scale down. It is better to grow 5 roses well than having 50 that do not thrieve, because of lack of care.
How thoughtful of you to seek out the elderly gardeners around you. And how glad they must be that someone shows an interest in what they have lovingly tended. Even now as I garden in my prime, I wonder what will happen to my garden as I become unable to do some of the heavy physical work. I guess the best way to have neighbors like you is to start being a neighbor like you.
It is so hard seeing gardeners get older and I always try to help if I am able. It is great you help out your neighbors.
You have shown how kind and compassionate you are with this post. I don't know many people that take time from their own harried lives to do this sort of thing. I'm sure it's appreciated beyond measure.
A healthy strong body is something we should never take for granted. I think it is wonderful that you use your strength and vitality to help others.
I always help my parents in their garden when I go home. My son mows and snow blows for an elderly couple in our neighborhood.
Your heart is as beautiful as your garden.
Thanks Niels for an important post. I have such a neighbor and you have inspired me.
Regards,
Philip
How very true mss zg - start paying it forward. Charity never faileth.
Thank you for your very kind words.
Robin - often many children 'forget' to help out their parents when their health declines!
Thanks Donna for your kind words!
Phillip - I wish I knew the name of your blog? I hope your offer to hekp will be well received - perhaps give a little hint that you are willing to help if they need a hand- Many are too proud to ask though. Nobody want to be a burden.
What a beautiful post. And so true. I can't imagine what it will be like for me when I can no longer take care of my beloved garden. Thank you for the reminder.
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