How to garden into old age I'd have done well to read a new book: The Age-Proof Garden by Patty Cassidy, packed full of ideas for stress-free and low-maintenance gardening. Once I had got used to being called an elder, or worse - a senior (this book has transatlantic roots), I was impressed with the range of projects covered; the special equipment available for those with health problems and the common-sense advice to plan a garden that could take me into the future. The project gardens designed to stimulate the senses are inspirational: growing memories evoked by scent with sweet pea arches and thyme paving; highlighting the sense of touch with different textures from stachys and bergenia leaves, tree barks and grasses; offering stunning taste sensations with containers of verbena, strawberries and edible flowers, and listening to grasses like Briza maxima popping seedheads like love-in-a-mist and encouraging birdsong. The step-by-step instructions for planting blueberries, potted fruit trees and strawberries for edible container gardening; fragrant window boxes full of scented pelargoniums, sweet alyssum and nasturtiums; and indoor garden features, adding extra shelves within window frames and forcing bulbs, were attractive and modern - avoiding the usual misconception that as we age, we lose our good taste. There are different levels of downsizing, from larger to smaller garden, to terrace and window box, and on to shared gardens, and some may be able to adapt their existing plot. Those planning to design a garden for someone in their care should proceed with caution. Few gardeners hand over the spade without a struggle, so suggestions should be tactful and a long period spent listening must precede decisions. As Patty Cassidy says: tending a garden is a lifelong pleasure, even though energies and abilities may decline, but gardens are evolving places with the potential to keep us fit and young at heart. So as we rage against the dying of the light, this generation of baby bloomers need look no further. Be honest - know your strengths and admit your limitations. Make decisions about which tasks could be carried out by others. Consider sharing part of your garden in return for planned labour. Understand risks like climbing ladders - or, in my case, clambering into wheelie bins to compress the contents. Make sure paths and surfaces are level and safe, especially during wet and frosty weather. Invest in solar-powered movement-sensitive garden lighting from glow.co.uk at £18.95 for a pack of three lights. Change your planting areas to raised beds that also offer a place to sit and rest. Use mulches and membranes to cut down on weeding. And wear gardening gloves. Improve your watering arrangements with a convenient water butt attached to a lightweight push-along mobile hose cart (from Hozelock at uktoolcentre.co.uk), remembering to wind up the hose to avoid accidents. Concentrate on plants that are drought resistant. Lawns don't have to be mown regularly: ours are cut once a year but paths are mown weekly. Edge with wood or metal edging to cut down on hand trimming Invest in lightweight tools to help with any physical problems, like the range from chillingtontoolsonline.co.uk with foam cushion grips and extendable handles, and pace yourself. Thrive Carry on Gardening Gardening for the Disabled Trust Age Concern