[NFB-Seniors-Discussion] Water Gardening by Touch - A very interesting article

[robertleslienewman at gmail.com]

Note: this article came from the publication - 


The Blind Perspective


*	April Issue

 

Touching Your Water Garden

 

How to Water Garden without Seeing

As an avid water gardener who is blind I have been asked by sighted
gardeners how do you garden and what do you enjoy about water gardening
since you have no vision? It took some reflection on my part to discover why
I enjoy water gardening other than I just knew it felt good.

 

I have been without sight most of my life. I grew up on a farm and enjoyed
farming but it all changed to a new level once I started water gardening. My
sighted wife and I have been water gardening as a hobby and as a business.

The sounds, sensations and odors involved with water gardening are unique
compared to the rest of nature. I never get bored with listening to water
features and all the various sounds you can make them create. It can be a
simple trickle sound to a more intense rushing sound. Originally I disliked
the softer trickle sounds. But as can happen with music, I have come to
acquire an appreciation for the gentle trickle. To me a waterfall sounds
like a jazz composition. Even though the flow rate is consistent the water
will create variations in sound over time. I have spent countless hours
experimenting with the sound by placing rocks or other objects in the flow
to create new water melodies. Hopefully the sound changes I make are also
visually pleasing. Other sounds I have noted are the kissing sounds fish
make when they feed or the distinct sounds of dragon flies when they move.
Every summer night is filled with the courting sounds of frogs. But it is
not just the sounds that make water features so attractive.

There are many unique sensations to be felt. Water has a smooth flat surface
feeling and a therapeutic feel when flowing. Perhaps this is why fish swim
into the flow off a waterfall. I am continuously fascinated by the feel of
water lily leaves floating and their various sizes, shapes and sinus
constructions. The stems are hollow and make for good drinking straws. When
I touch a dying leaf and stem I sense a different feel from healthy
counterparts as they are soft. In murky water, my sighted wife often asks me
to feel inside the pot of waterlilies and see how many growing points have
developed. I have also made braille labels for the waterlilies. They aren't
affected by nature like print labels are so I can always tell her which
plant is which. The braille dots on plastic are resilient never break down
or become unreadable by a covering of algae.

 

Repotting a water lily is like uncovering a mystery. It is easy to divide
waterlilies by touch. The anchor roots and the feeder roots are easily
distinguished and the growing points are easy to find. With a little
experience I can find new plants and separate them from the old root stock
with just my sense of touch.

 

Most marginal plants can be identified by touch or fragrance. Aquatic mint
and Acorus both have a distinct smell. Grasses are obvious and some have
edges. Corkscrew rush curls and iris have strap leaves. Floating hearts
might be a bit of a challenge because some water lilies have small leaves
too, but their flowers definitely are different.

 

String algae are another venture into mystery land. In the spring it is
mushy and doesn't stick together. The summer version is where it gets its
name. I don't need sight to collect string algae but pea soup algae are a
different story. I only know about pea soup algae after a sighted person
reports it. But without sight I can still enjoy a green pond whereas sighted
folks want to change it.

 

The water lily flowers have so many different fragrances. From my above-
ground pond I can pull a flower to my nose to savor the smells. My
above-ground pond also makes it easy to access all the sensations of water
gardening and it is ergonomic for seniors.

Much of the work of pond maintenance and pond construction can be performed
without vision. I use a talking tape measure, beeping level, talking weight
scale, and talking thermometer to aid in construction and maintenance. As
soon as a talking salt meter and talking water test kit come on the market I
will have them too.

 

My talking computer gives me access to the same tools as a sighted gardener,
for example I gather information about water gardening, calculate water
volumes receive weather reports, and perform as president of our local water
garden club.

 

Water Gardening is a very viable option for visually impaired gardeners done
as a hobby or as a job. I welcome anyone interested in following-up on this
topic to contact me

By Doug Rose, Patti Rose

info at ncwgc.org <mailto:info at ncwgc.org> 

North Coast Water Garden Club http://www.ncwgc.org

Easy Pond Vac http://www.easypondvac.com

 

Respectfully yours,

Robert Leslie Newman

NFBN Senior Division, President

NFB Seniors Division, Second Vice President

NFBN Omaha Chapter, Secretary

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