Cultivating cacti & succulents when you have disabilities

[jp29]

I have installed a new version of my main Cultivation Notes web page at .....

http://jp29.org/cultwp.htm

..... that is devoted to my experiences growing cacti in the last year during which time I have been inflicted with multiple physical disabilities.

From the web page introduction:

Advancing years are beginning to catch up with me (I am now in my late eighties) and I have great difficulty walking unaided - in fact I have to use a walker all of the time. I also have much diminished upper body strength due to rotator cuff damage in both shoulders (because of falls) plus severe edema and neuropathy in my feet. Thus it is hard for me to carry potted cacti and keep my balance and I am constantly investigating various methods and techniques for easily maintaining and transporting my plants. I also cannot stand for any length of time and therefor have to perform soil mixing, potting and watering while seated.

I hope this page will be of some help to other enthusiasts who have similar afflictions. I intend to continuously update it in order to provide more comprehensive information.

[jp29]

A lot of water has “flowed over the dam” since I first posted this. I am a little disappointed that there were no responses on this Forum - but such is life in the world of people with disabilities!

Any way, here is the latest iteration of my reference web page ..........

http://jp29.org/cultwp.htm

[saboten]

A lot of water has “flowed over the dam” since I first posted this. I am a little disappointed that there were no responses on this Forum - but such is life in the world of people with disabilities!

Any way, here is the latest iteration of my reference web page ..........

http://jp29.org/cultwp.htm

Sorry I didn't make any reply! Do know that I've (and others) have read it, maybe just didn't have a good response!

Now that I'm looking here again, it's really an interesting topic that I hadn't considered fully (I haven't had to face any physical disabilities yet, myself) but is actually quite pertinent to me, now that I come to think of it. My grandfather, who's now 91, is still out every summer in his garden, though I think this year he's going to tone it down a little. But there are the same concerns that container growers have--such as falling under a hot sun, pesky garden hoses. My grandfather never gave in to getting a cell phone, which is a little concerning should he get stuck outside. Perhaps we could get him a bell or horn just as a preventative measure in case of any falls. It's something to think about!

We do appreciate your thoughtful input

[jp29]

Thank you saboten. I am on the cusp of being a ninety year old myself. I never imagined I would be gardening with disabilities - but here I am. Most of us will end up this way.

[DesertSun]

Hello James! So sorry to hear about your health problems but good to know that your passion lives on stronger and you have managed to find ways to cope with your disabilities the best way you can! Thank you for sharing, it makes me admire you even more knowing the struggles and the effort and love you put into your cultivation projects! Best regards!

[jp29]

Thank you very much for those kind words and sentiments DesertSun. Is there anything you think I should add to my web page at http://jp29.org/cultwp.htm ?

I love the Chinese Proverb quote in your signature block.

[mdpillet]

Great page James! Maybe a section on your propagation techniques?

[jp29]

Thank you MIchel. Maybe, but I tire so easily these days.

[DesertSun]

Good evening James! I enjoyed your pages so much, I would recommend to everyone to read them, so much useful information. And it is not limited to cultivation for persons with disabilities, I actually find that many of your pieces of advice, techniques, staging, etc, can very well de adopted by a wide range of cacti growers! I love the way you cover everything in such a detailed way, from soil mixtures, to shading, to staging, everything! Your Sonoran desert mix is a favorite of mine, I only wish I could gather myself some from habitat! You also cultivate some cacti species I am starting to get very fond of, like Frailea. I checked your other projects, I am so fond of calligraphy, but never had the chance to seriously get into it, now that I discovered your pages I think that I will! Thank you!

[mmcavall]

I never imagined I would be gardening with disabilities - but here I am. Most of us will end up this way.

I hope so. It is so important to have a hobby and something to care for! My father is retiring and I'm worried about his mental health because he doesn't have any hobby. I don't want to see him watching TV all day.
I'm sure I'll continue my passion for cacti for all my life. Growing a collection now (I'm still in the 40's) is the key for a healthy retirement in the future.
I've told you before that I admire your passion, but is also noticeable that the hobby also makes you connected people around the world, through internet, which is also amazing to see. Congratulations.

[jp29]

Good evening James! I enjoyed your pages so much ......... I checked your other projects, I am so fond of calligraphy, but never had the chance to seriously get into it, now that I discovered your pages I think that I will! Thank you!

Thank you for those kind words, DesertSun - and I do hope you pursue Calligraphy as an artistic craft!

[jp29]

...... It is so important to have a hobby and something to care for! My father is retiring and I'm worried about his mental health because he doesn't have any hobby. I don't want to see him watching TV all day.
I'm sure I'll continue my passion for cacti for all my life. Growing a collection now (I'm still in the 40's) is the key for a healthy retirement in the future.
I've told you before that I admire your passion, but is also noticeable that the hobby also makes you connected people around the world, through internet, which is also amazing to see. Congratulations.

Yes it is very important mmcavall. My hobbies have kept me young at heart - and spirit. I hope you can steer your father into some hobby or interest. I am sure you will continue to pursue your C&S interest with your obvious passion and energy mmcavall - thank you.

[jp29]

have just added a section to my web page at .........

http://jp29.org/cultwp.htm

.......... relating to portable shade cloth covered plant staging stands for use by gardeners with Disabilities. Others may find these of use in their own gardening.

[jp29]

My web page has now really blossomed - I have added a great amount of information and numerous photos. Please check it out. The information may not be of great importance to you now, but one of these days, especially if you grow plants long enough - or live long enough - it may become of great importance to you.

The latest iteration of my web page is at ..........

http://jp29.org/cultwp.htm

[saboten]

Those covered plant stands look like a great thing for even those of us without disabilities! I hadn't actually seen them before -- could be a diy project if I don't see any for sale around here. As always, thanks for the wisdom!