Unique way to keep on gardening
Gardening made easier - Claresholm’s Norma Lovell has created this system of container gardening so people don’t have to bend down to weed, water, or fertilize their plants. She utilizes old mineral tubs, given to her by local ranchers, and has put a water reservoir at the bottom of each one on the top layer. to make watering easier Photo by Rob Vogt
By Rob Vogt
Norma Lovell has developed a simple way for people who may have mobility challenges to keep on gardening.
She has taken mineral tubs, which are discarded by ranchers, to create containers for gardening, by stacking one on top of the other.
A water reservoir has been added to the bottom of each container as well.
That means there is no need to bend over to weed, water, fertilize or, in Lovell’s case, to harvest.
She said this type of container gardening is a win-win situation because not only is it a way to provide more accessible gardening but it is keeping these mineral tubs out of the landfill.
This is Lovell’s first year of planting vegetables. She has planted potatoes, onions, cucumbers, tomatoes, carrots. peas. beats, beans, and swiss chard.
“Things are starting to produce,” she said.
So far, she has harvested swiss chard, lettuce and beats that she has shared with her neighbours.
Initially, she had the mineral tubs on one level, then hit upon the idea of stacking them.
That way there is no bending down.
It was a total team effort too.
She got the mineral tubs from Brett and Carol Lucas and Cameron Fancy, while Martin Zobrist taught her about the water reservoir in the bottom of the mineral tubs.
Brian Chartrand helped her get started; three elders from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints helped with the physical work, and so did Chip Skinner when Lovell needed a little more muscle power.
“I think it’s a great idea for seniors,” Lovell said.