Daylight Savings Time began this last weekend and with it more sunlight and seems longer. Let’s begin some planning for outdoor activities. Many of us like to garden, however, who has the time or interest when so tired from the 24/7 work we do? Here is a thought, contact the local Scout Office and ask about a troop which would consider building a couple of raised flower or vegetable beds. If you have the troop (which would seem like a good match for you and publicity for the troop) then you begin the planning for the two beds. Contact a soil company and ask for enriched planting soil, you can find the amount necessary by knowing the dimensions of the raised beds.
Have the person you are caring for come sit down with you and they will have one bed while you have the other. Together plan what will go in the raised beds and when you will begin the planting. Involve your person in each step of the planning, purchasing and planting. Help them make good choices, but remember anyone can do this so don’t be too controlling. If they have little expertise but want to do it all themselves (without the knowledge), get the seed bag of wildflowers and give it to them. This can be a very refreshing piece of color anywhere in your yard, inexpensive and providing a great self-elevating process.
Allow them to help with the weeding and watering, this is such an important part of their self-esteem and self-worth. And you will have something to talk about over an afternoon snack or morning coffee. Our friends are not gone in the fog of illness or dementia; rather there is a curtain which we can break through from time to time. Their emotions are always on the surface and can be counted on to make the connection back to us. www.lowes.com
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