Gardening Combats Arthritic Flare-ups

Arthritis is an extremely common and often debilitating disease, especially in older adults. Joint pain and discomfort may become worse at times, which can keep you from doing and enjoying activities you once loved. The natural reaction is to stop moving and rest, but science shows that engaging in regular activity is actually helpful in managing the disease and combating flare-ups. One of the best activities for arthritis sufferers is gardening.

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Gardening is a wonderful way to get outside and enjoy nature. Whether a veteran or a beginner, gardening has been proven to prevent joint stiffness, improve range of motion, and stay flexible no matter how much or how little you do. However, doing too much for too long can aggravate symptoms. Thankfully, there are many ways to continue enjoying gardening without causing a flare-up.

Stretch. Take a few moments before and after gardening to gently stretch your back, legs, and shoulders. Regular stretching helps to prevent injury and reduce muscle soreness.

Work at the Waist To Help With Arthritic Flare-ups

Raise your gardening bed, or use shelves or tables so you don't have to bend over or stoop down unnecessarily. Working at waist level will place less strain on your lower back and hips, so you feel more comfortable.

Choose Bigger and Longer Tools. Tools with longer handles will keep you from having to bend over so often, while tools with bigger grips will make your hands more comfortable for longer periods of time. Get in the habit of keeping them nearby so you can take fewer steps to get the job done.

Choose Electric Tools. If using hand tools causes flare-ups, consider switching to electric tools that will do the work for you.

Use Knee Pads or Benches. Knee pads add cushion so your knees won't be so strained. If kneeling down is still difficult, consider using a small bench or stool to sit on to take the pressure off your knees and back.

Use the Right Gloves. Wearing gloves while you garden not only protects your hands from cold temperatures but also helps you to grip and twist objects more easily, so you have less stress on your joints. Consider buying cushioned gloves that are specially made for arthritis sufferers to ease joint pain. Or, for a cheaper alternative, buy regular gloves that are a little bigger than you would normally wear and stuff foam padding inside while you use them.

Use Carts. Instead of carrying everything in your arms or in buckets, use a cart with pneumatic tires. The wheels will help you easily transport your supplies and plants over any type of terrain, reducing strain on your shoulders and back.

Avoid High Maintenance Plants. Plants that require a lot of upkeep may be fun to tend, but they can take a toll on your joints. Consider perennials or those that are drought-tolerant so you can spend less time maintaining your beds and more time enjoying their beauty.

Consider Container Gardening For Your Arthritic Flare-ups

If getting outside is getting too difficult, bring your plants to you with container gardening. Maintaining your garden on your patio or porch takes less energy and less stress on your joints. If this isn't an option that interests you, consider setting up a greenhouse. Greenhouses allow you to garden at a consistent temperature, and you can place your plants on tables or shelves so you spend less time on your knees or bent over.

Change It Up. Change your body position often or take the time to stretch and rest as you garden to reduce stiffness and the potential for joint pain. Also, be sure to change your routine from time to time by breaking up the things that need to be done into smaller jobs that you can do throughout the day or over several days.

Try Community Gardening. If keeping a garden at home has become too difficult, join a community garden near your home. Community gardens usually provide the tools and resources you need to make gardening easier. They are also a great way to meet other gardening enthusiasts and make friends who are happy to help you. Community gardens provide a place to be social while you indulge in digging in the dirt.

Know Your Limits. Always respect your body and know your limits. Though gardening is a peaceful activity, it is still necessary to pace yourself. Don't push yourself too hard if you're feeling tired. Take frequent breaks so you can give your joints a rest.

Making Life Easier for Older Gardeners | Elderly Gardening Tips

Talk to Your Doctor About your Arthritic Fare-Ups

Most importantly, always check with your doctor first to be sure it is safe to engage in gardening. Your doctor can make recommendations for managing your arthritis and reducing the chances of a flare-up.

Gardening is a wonderful way to get outside and enjoy the work of your hands while combating arthritic flare-ups. By making a few simple changes and being vigilant of your effort levels, you can enjoy gardening for many years to come without your arthritis getting in the way.

Pink Evening Primrose - TN Nursery

Showy Pink Primrose

The Showy Pink Primrose is a unique garden perennial treasure. The plant's blooms start opening up and displaying in the afternoon. This makes it a highly sought-after and prized plant that many homeowners want in their flowering beds and gardens. Showy Pink Primrose Is a Flower Garden Pastel Blooming Favorite Perennial  The Showy Pink Primrose—also commonly referred to as the evening primrose, pink ladies' primrose, pink evening primrose, or Mexican primrose—is a perennial flower known for its delicate pink hues and finely textured petals. If you are looking to add some soft color to your garden, this is an excellent flower to plant.  Details of the Showy Pink Primrose Plant What Does Pink Showy Primrose Look Like? Pink Showy Primrose adds a soft elegance to outdoor spaces. The middle of the pedals are typically white but gradually turn into a coral pink towards the edges of the petals. Occasionally, the color can intensify to a dark pink. From afar, petals' white and pink colors can look almost purplish. The Pink Showy Primrose develops long throats and stamens stretching from the flower's center. The buds nod to give the flower a lazy, practically laidback appeal. The central part of the flower, starting at the stamen, has a contrasting yellow coloration. Still, these colors are never jostling busily for position.  Instead, the pastel profile of the tinges complements each other very well. In a garden, the plant works well against dark green backdrops or as accent pieces to flowers with brighter colors. It typically grows upright and can reach heights of two feet off the soil line. Occasionally, the plant can sprawl out to provide more ground coverage. Each flower produces four solitary petals joined at the plant's axils. They are finely textured with wavy edges, reminiscent of fine paper mache.  The petals are very dainty, keeping with the frilly, playful theme of the understated colors. Don't get the wrong impression, though. The plant is quite hardy, even as the Pink Showy Primrose petals look tender. The plant produces a sturdy stem with stout, lance-shaped green leaves. The plant leaves can grow to about 4 inches long. In the autumn, you may notice that some green leaves tan reddish. The flowers themselves can reach about 1.5 to 2 inches in diameter.  Advantages of Showy Pink Primrose  Aside from their soft elegance, the Pink Showy Primrose can be put to advantageous use in your outdoor areas.  This flower is sometimes called an evening primrose because it blooms at night in most Northern climates. Around dusk, it emits a floral fragrance that is as irresistible to the nose as its beauty is to the eyes.  The plant is famous for landscapers and home gardeners who want to cover unpopulated open areas. It colonizes (spreads) very quickly in most solid conditions so long as it isn't too loamy, sandy, or rocky. So, if you have a bare section of your yard that can use some natural color, primrose is a great option.  Hardy Plants - Despite the elegant appearance of their flowers, the Showy Pink Primrose is very Hardy  While they prefer moderately moist soil, they can thrive in dry soil as long as it is well-drained. They are also surprisingly drought—and heat-resistant. Most people find that once the plant is firmly established, it is very durable, which makes it an attractive, low-maintenance option.  It Attracts Birds   The Pink Showy Primrose produces nectars attracting lilting songbirds to your garden and outdoor areas. And you don't have to worry about deer eating these flowers because the Pink Showy Primrose is highly deer-resistant. It's a Great Autumn Flower - The Pink Showy Primrose is an excellent solution to maintain upbeat colors well into the fall months. In most climates, the Pink Showy Primrose prefers cooler temperatures. This means that they are likely to bloom through October. This is also a great flower to add to your garden if most of your current flowers typically bloom in the summer. This way, you can have vibrant colors all year round. Showy Pink  Primrose F.A.Q.s Does the Showy Pink Primrose adequately tantalize them? If so, take a look at some vital information about this flower.  How Do You Take Care of Pink Showy Primrose? The Pink Showy Primrose should be planted in dry to moist, well-drained soil in a spot with lots of full sun. During the first growing season, it's best to give the Pink Showy Primrose regular water, which you can then taper off once it is established. Deadheading the Pink Showy Primrose is not necessary, but you can safely remove old blossoms as they appear. Is Pink Showy Primrose A Perennial? Yes. The Pink Showy Primrose is a native plant originating in the Southern US and spreading to the Midwest and parts of Northern Mexico. Its perennial nature makes it ideal for people with little gardening experience. Does Pink Showy Primrose Bloom All Summer? In most conditions, the blooms go dormant in the summer as it prefers cooler temperatures. Again, this makes it a good choice for maintaining color in your garden during autumn. However, some gardeners have avoided the Primrose's summer dormancy by simply not watering it too often in the spring. Add Graceful Color to Your Garden The Pink Showy Primrose is a simple and effective way to add subdued yet attractive color to your garden and outdoor areas. Here at T.N. Nursery, we can provide quality plants with robust root systems ready to plant immediately. Pair the Pink Showy Primrose with the Yellow Primrose for an irresistible tandem of exploding color. Place your order and have your plants delivered right to your door! Pink Evening Primrose Has Stunning Blooms The delicate, charming pink blossoms are adorned with green foliage that accents the plant nicely. The blooms grow in clusters with five petals and can range from a pal pink to deeper shades of pink, depending on the soil's pH. Pink Evening Primrose Is A Desirable Plant Pink Evening Primrose offers a delicate ruffled edge on the blooms and reaches an average height of nearly 20 inches at maturity, making it a highly desirable plant for landscaping. It accents borders, containers, or rock gardens very well and has a mild and sweet fragrance. Pink Evening Primrose Last From Spring Till Fall Being a Spring and Fall bloomer also makes this a beautiful plant for those who enjoy blooms in both seasons and those who want a plant with a long blooming period.

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Black Eyed Susan - TN Nursery

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