Sunshine and Showers

I love the sunshine. I feel motivated when a day begins with it. I find it such a struggle otherwise and so I am not looking forward to the autumn - on that level. However autumn is such a colorful time of the year. I really enjoy my photography, and the garden gives me lots of photo opportunities.

Gardening with Parkinson's

I've had Parkinson's now for over 5 years, and initially I could do most things that I had done before developing it. However as time goes on I find myself more tired, and it's more of a struggle to keep going and awake. Being in the garden makes such a difference. This year I have picked fruit, done weeding from a chair, and planted seeds and then put my pots in the greenhouse. So certainly on dull or raining days I can get out if only to work inside the greenhouse. I can work on my tubs, water them and keep them interesting to look at.

Communication system

My husband helps as some things are too difficult now, and I sometimes need him to talk me through what I need to do if I get stuck. That's often because I can't work out where to put my legs to get up again if I have worked for example on a border. We have a system whereby I keep my mobile in my pocket so that I can contact him if he is indoors.

Focusing on what I can do

When I first had problems outside e.g. falling, we made the decision that I would use a stick to help with my balance. There have been times when I feel that working outside will become too much, but I'm trying to focus on what I can do rather than what I can't. I'm hoping that it can become part of my routine throughout the year now that we have sorted a few issues out.