One of the questions asked at the end of a lecture at the Leading Age Conference involved the maintenance of a Therapeutic Garden.  The person asked if these gardens require more to maintain than other gardens.  They were interested in reducing on- going maintenance in a garden.  The simple answer is that all gardens require maintenance, however, if properly designed, gardens can require lower maintenance.  A few suggestions to help reduce the care and maintenance of a garden include:

• Select plants that do not require frequent pruning
• Include indigenous plants – they will require less water and are suited for the region
• Limit the amount of annuals (plants that grow for just one season) and include more perennials
• Space plants closer together so they fill out sooner
• Eliminate plants that require constant pruning, such as hedges
• Organize gardening groups to help maintain the garden – it is good exercise and a way to stay socially engaged
• Plan special events to include garden ‘work’ parties
• Solicit the involvement of garden clubs, master gardeners and other interested people
• Hold classes in the garden to teach others gardening basics
• Create an endowment for the care and maintenance  of the garden

These are a few of the basic ideas for helping to reduce the maintenance of the garden and a way to get others involved.  A good design at the beginning insures that the garden gets off to a good start and improves its chances for success.  Strategies to develop garden partners can help can reduce the maintenance burden on staff.