Spring Garden
Gardening is an enjoyable pastime for people of all ages and all levels of ability. As spring approaches, teachers, family members, and therapists of individuals with autism may want to consider introducing their friends to the incredible world of gardening.
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Start with looking through seed catalogs or gardening magazines to introduce the vast array of plants available for gardens.
Before picking out plants, take a tour of your yard and designate a small garden area. Or help you friend pick out a large pot or two at a nursery for their very own personal container garden. Consider exposure to sunlight, water, harsh winds, heat, and other environmental conditions when determining the location of the garden.
The next step is to visit a local garden center so a nursery professional can help pick plants that match the environment. For example, some plants only grow in full sun while others thrive in shade or just morning sun. In addition to the sunlight requirements, also ask the professional gardener about watering schedule, feeding schedule, blooming season, and planting tips. Some plants bloom all season long, while others have a very short blooming season. Some plants are annuals and others are perennials. Ideal plants for encouraging new gardeners are annuals that bloom for the season. In my part of the world, pansies bloom from October to April, then begonias, impatiens, and caladiums thrive under my shady pecan trees from April to October. Since my thumb is not very green, I always pick the fail-safe plants.
Once the nursery professional has shown your friend with autism all the flowers and plants that can thrive in their garden, let them select their own plants from those options. Let your friend make their own choices, even if they select strange combinations. If several plants are going to be mixed in one pot, make certain the watering, feeding, and sunlight requirements jive.
Help only as much as necessary as the new gardener prepares the soil, puts plants in the soil, adds mulch, and waters the plant. Help set up and print a checklist for watering, fertilizing, and other care. Remind your friend that over-watering is just as deadly to plants as is under-watering. Take pictures on the first day and as the plants grow and flourish. Enjoy!
NOTE TO READERS AND LISTENERS: I am Cathy Knoll, a board certified music therapist and long-time friend of many folks with autism. At FAQautism.com we are committed to providing free, practical, everyday tips for making life better for people with autism. Feel free to send me an email with your thoughts or challenging situations or innovative solution. Send email to talk@FAQautism.com And don’t forget to check out our website for a wealth of ideas and a glimpse into the world of autism. http://FAQautism.com
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