Some of us, having long ago eschewed the dainty life, are fully engrossed these days in our gardens — digging and lifting, bending, kneeling and hauling as we weed, plant, prune, and tend compost heaps.
It is time now to consider the care of our bodies in the process, and in particular ways to protect our backs as we garden.
• Beware the “lift-and-twist” danger. In lifting a heavy object or a shovel full of soil, turn the entire body — feet, shoulders, hips — as you move the weight you are carrying to its resting place.
Never twist the body to make the deposit.
Think of this as a “FaceTime” gardening stance: Always face directly (and stay close to) the object of the project at hand, whether that is weeds to be pulled, or the spot to place a boulder or to deposit a shovel-load of soil.
Keeping the back as straight and long as possible is also helpful. Bend from the hips to reach toward the work, with knees bent slightly.
Go down on your knees if possible, or on one knee, to weed and transplant. Knee pads of various sorts are helpful protectors.
• The long and the short. Personally, I find short-handled shovels and digging forks murder on the back. Long-handled versions offer a more comfortable and body-friendly leverage.
• Go for change. To avoid injury from remaining at a single task and staying in the same position for extended time periods, change activities every half-hour or so.
Move on to a task that involves an altered posture.
I find that this practice makes gardening even more enjoyable. To facilitate it, as I begin a gardening session I always have in mind three or four projects I’m particularly keen to address.
• Rest. Leave the garden and return indoors to rest, feet up, with a cup of tea or some other soothing substance, as soon as you feel the first hint of fatigue.
Don’t wait until your chin is dragging on the ground.
Stopping before exhaustion sets in is the best possible investment on having a good and productive next day.
And for many comfortable years of gardening ahead: Watch your back.
Garden Events
Note: Several events have been cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Check with organizers.
Orchid meeting. The Central Vancouver Island Orchid Society will meet on Sunday, March 22, from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. in the North Oyster Community Hall, 13467 Cedar Rd. in Ladysmith. Melanie Norris will speak about “Navigating on Line” to help members find information easily.
Hardy plants. The Victoria Hardy Plant Group will meet on Sunday, March 22, at 1:30 p.m. in the Horticulture Centre of the Pacific, 505 Quayle Rd. in Saanich. Egan Davis will present “Ecologically Modelled Planting Design.” He will consider how we can create or re-create our gardens in harmony with the natural environment. The afternoon will include a plant auction, show and share, and question time.
Seedy in Duncan. Cowichan Green Community will host Duncan Seedy Sunday on March 22, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Si’em Lelum Gymnasium, 5574 River Rd. There will be over 35 vendors with transplants, seeds, fruit trees and shrubs, bee houses and more as well as workshops, master gardeners to answer questions, a seed exchange and children’s activities. Admission $2, CGC members and those under 12 free.
View Royal meeting. The View Royal Garden Club will meet on Wednesday, March 25, at 7:30 p.m. in Wheeley Hall, behind Esquimalt United Church at 500 Esquimalt Rd. Entrance is off Lyall St. Dan Jason of Salt Spring Seeds will profile 21 plants to challenge chemical industrial farming. The evening will include a judged mini show featuring exhibits from members’ gardens and a sales table with plants and garden items. Non-member drop-in fee $5. viewroyalgardenclub.ca.
Greenhouse workshop. Russell Nursery, 1370 Wain Rd. In North Saanich, is offering a Greenhouse Gardening workshop on Saturday, March 28, at 10 a.m. or 1 p.m. Learn how to make the best use of a greenhouse in all four seasons. Cost $20 plus GST. Space is limited. Register early by phoning 250-656-0384 or emailing russellnursery@telus.net. Leave your name and phone number when registering.
