Growing Independence: Lennon’s New Raised Garden Bed

by Lennon Ferri's Mom

Gardening has long been a favourite pastime of mine, a way to connect with nature and find peace in nurturing life from soil to bloom. For my daughter, Lennon, this simple joy has become a new frontier of independence and creativity, thanks to her raised (accessible) garden bed and her Stretto.

Lennon has always had a love for the outdoors. However, traditional garden setups posed significant challenges. That's when we decided to invest in an accessible garden bed. Lennon’s school did the same so that she could also take part in gardening at school, (this makes me so happy, way to go school for making inclusivity happen!) The raised garden allows Lennon to reach and tend to her plants without straining. The Stretto fits perfectly and allows Lennon to maneuver to tend to all sides, providing her with the freedom to garden comfortably.

Watching her eyes light up as she planted her first seeds was a moment of joy for us. It symbolized more than just the beginning of a garden; it marked the start of a new chapter in Lennon’s journey towards greater independence.

Complementing the raised garden bed is, of course, Lennon’s Stretto, the amazing powerchair, that has significantly enhanced her mobility. The Stretto is known for its narrow width, making it ideal for navigating through tighter spaces, like the entrance to her garden. Lennon used to really dislike driving on grass, as it was too bumpy and uncomfortable, but not anymore! The Stretto’s suspension system ensures a smooth ride, allowing Lennon to move around the garden with ease.

The Stretto empowers her to fully engage in her gardening activities. The synergy between the garden bed and her Stretto has created a seamless gardening experience for Lennon. Gardening has given Lennon a sense of accomplishment and a way to express her creativity. She takes pride in choosing which plants to grow, learning about their care, and watching them thrive. The garden has become her personal oasis, a place where she can escape, and find joy in the simple act of nurturing life.

Lennon’s new gardening setup also offers therapeutic benefits. The physical activity involved in gardening helps with her motor skills, while the time spent outdoors boosts her mood and overall well-being! It’s wonderful to see her so engaged and happy, knowing that these experiences contribute positively to her development.

As Lennon’s Garden flourishes, so does her confidence. She’s learning that with the right tools and support, she can overcome obstacles and pursue her passions. The accessible garden bed and the Stretto are not just aids; they are enablers of independence and facilitators of dreams.

We look forward to many more gardening seasons, filled with vibrant flowers, fresh vegetables, and the enduring spirit of growth and resilience that Lennon embodies. Her journey is a testament to how adaptive solutions can transform challenges into opportunities, and how a little garden can grow a lot of hope.

In Lennon’s Garden, every bloom tells a story of perseverance and joy, and each day brings a new chance to nurture her love for gardening and her sense of self-reliance.