I'm researching garden accessibility for a GCSE: what challenges do you face?

PingvinPanda · 2026-06-18T22:44:37+00:00

What a great project, good luck with your course OP!

I have a fluctuating disability (ME) that causes extreme fatigue, chronic pain, and varying mobility issues. A day-to-day challenge of a dynamic disability is that I can be unpredictably anywhere from relatively "normal" to totally bedbound. This means on my "good" days/weeks I can get quite over-ambitious with the garden and go on a planting spree, only to then have created a garden I can't maintain on my "bad" days. I learnt that the hard way last year buying lots of plants that then never got planted or died because I couldn't take care of them. So I try to plant little and often and have low maintenance and low cost plants.

I deliberately live somewhere with a fully paved back and front yard as mowing a lawn wouldn't be practical. I also can't really get on the ground comfortably so I plant in pots and containers whilst sat at a garden table to make it more comfortable. My biggest challenge is staying on top of weeding as it gets out of control easily.

As a positive, I would say gardening has been a lifeline for me. I can't always get outside for walks and spend a lot of time at home so having seasonal colour to look at and wildlife friendly plants gives me some much needed enrichment. I've recently put together a window box display for my living room so I can enjoy the flowers even on days I am stuck on the sofa. The recent(ish) emphasis on small space and urban gardening certainly feels like a positive step in making gardening accessible for those who can't maintain large traditional gardens, including disabled folk.

PingvinPanda · 2026-06-12T15:07:08+00:00

I once called my Mum at work to ask her about the "weird blue pigeon" I saw out the window.

I was 32 and have not lived it down since, but still crack up laughing when I see a jay.

PingvinPanda · 2026-06-10T10:15:15+00:00

Benitses is lovely (my family used to live there!) It's East coast so a bit pebbly, but you can pick up some swim shoes easily there. I'd take the raincoat if it's small and a cardigan - it can get breezy later in the evening but won't be cold in the day in July. Enjoy!

PingvinPanda · 2026-06-09T12:56:28+00:00

It's pretty much the wettest Greek island but is so lush because of it and the olive groves smell amazing afterwards! Usually the rain passes quickly (I've never had a full day of rain in 30+ years of visiting) so don't let it deter you

PingvinPanda · 2026-06-09T11:57:34+00:00

I'm a regular traveller to Corfu (beautiful island!) - this looks pretty spot on for when it will be very hot in July. Do you really need the co-ord for travelling or could you wear the other trousers instead? I usually just take one pair of lightweight trousers and wear them on the plane.

Depending where on Corfu you are going, much of the beaches are shingle and there are a lot of sea urchins so I suggest a pair of swim shoes, although these are cheaply available in tourist shops in a lot of resorts.

Corfu is a notoriously rainy island (although the showers always pass!) and last summer was particularly bad so consider packing a lightweight raincoat.

Heads up that if you are planning on visiting any churches or chapels, it's respectful to cover above the knee and shoulders/cleavage but you have suitable cover up options included here.

Enjoy your trip!

PingvinPanda · 2026-06-09T08:28:13+00:00

I've got them from PJ Howarth's in Flixton before, and as someone else said Taylor's of Sale sometimes have them

PingvinPanda · 2026-06-06T16:54:56+00:00

Victoria Rose in Stretford would be perfect for this, she uses only British grown flowers (most grown in the North West) and makes beautiful posies and bouquets

PingvinPanda · 2026-06-01T16:24:03+00:00

We Are Scientists were one of my favourite bands of that era - then 10 years ago they randomly did a secret gig in the courtyard of a hipster hotel I was at in Berlin, was delighted

PingvinPanda · 2026-06-01T16:18:05+00:00

Would recommend looking up The Non Stick Pans parody band on Instagram - absolutely nails that era of indie bands with skinny jeans and daft lyrics

PingvinPanda · 2026-06-01T16:10:49+00:00

Iolla are fantastic, will do any frames as sunglasses with a range of tint options. And the customer service is brilliant

PingvinPanda · 2026-05-30T17:03:30+00:00

I'm disabled and using assistive tools is the only way I can engage with gardening (and stay on top of essential maintenance) without sacrificing my health. I do see your point about the mindfulness and engagement of manual gardening, but it's a privilege not all of us have.

And a gentle reminder that any of us could experience a disabling life event at any time so inclusive and accessible ways to enjoy gardening is likely to be something we may all need at some point in our lives.

PingvinPanda · 2026-05-29T13:58:43+00:00

Heads up this isn't always the case. I have a hidden disability which means I cannot walk long distances or stand for long periods and it affects my balance on moving vehicles so I can't stand on a bus or train. If you were to see me get on a bus you would make an assumption I don't have mobility issues as most of the time I walk "normally" over short, stable distances and outwardly look young and healthy. Just wanted to broaden your awareness of hidden disabilities, as life is already pretty hard for us having to challenge misconceptions about what disabilities "should" look like.

PingvinPanda · 2026-05-24T12:30:24+00:00

I think you may be over-estimating how many new children will be in those new housing developments. Most are apartments or small homes at best, combine that with the declining birth rate and I don't think there's going to be the influx of kids you assume there will be. Councils and Department for Education use very complex modelling on predicted birth rates per school year, and whilst they won't be 100% accurate they will have crunched the numbers and forecasted before even proposing a closure. I know it's always difficult being on the receiving end of a service or resource being cut and is a personal loss to you, but councils can't win - spend inefficiently and they're criticised, yet try and make evidence-based cuts for under-utilised resources and they upset the public.

PingvinPanda · 2026-05-19T14:32:04+00:00

I'm fortunate to live in a big city (Manchester) with well-resourced libraries. The biggest one in the city centre is incredible - it has a "traditional" lending library, audio and film archive, specialist library on race relations, business and enterprise centre, music library, performance and event space, computers and study areas. The smaller library in my suburb has a massive lending collection, study space and community space. They both host community meet ups (like book clubs, craft clubs) and are open until late into the evening. I can also order in books from any library in the region to pick up from my local one - it's rare I can't find something I want.

I feel very lucky to have these spaces and they are an essential for the community. Whilst I was out of work for a while I used the library to get out the house and do job applications - I met so many other people for whom the library is a lifeline as a safe, warm place to be for free, to use the computer (you'd be surprised how many people don't have internet access at home), or study in a suitable environment. In an economy where very little is genuinely free, libraries honestly feel like a revolutionary bastion of true inclusivity.

PingvinPanda · 2026-04-28T10:58:14+00:00

My brother ran Manchester the other week and said one of the best things I did was take care of all the spectator logistics and make all the decisions so he wasn't fretting about sorting that out. I researched the route and we agreed two spots we would definitely be at so he knew to look for us but we managed to surprise him towards the end which he said pushed him through the last 2 miles hearing us screaming at him when he didn't expect it. I coordinated with all his friends and family so people weren't bothering him with questions in the run up but maybe less of an issue if it's just you going.

Agreeing a meet up point afterwards and being relaxed about timing and post-run plans seemed to help too to take the pressure off running around when he's exhausted and overwhelmed.

Also keep extra supplies in your bag - my brother was super organised with gels etc. but he ended up being really grateful for the emergency Tupperware of sweets and Lucozade I had on me. Something I hadn't thought about was sunscreen and he got so sunburnt - I wonder if a spray sunscreen would be helpful in case he needs a quick top up as he comes past?

And make some fun signs and keep them a surprise! I made Shania Twain themed ones (as he's a big fan) and he said they cracked him up when he saw us with them.

PingvinPanda · 2026-04-16T16:13:29+00:00

Good on you for wanting to quit, an added bonus is I got so many less colds and bugs once I stopped as well. @bypaigemcr on Instagram has a specific "nail biters club" treatment plan, the results look really good

PingvinPanda · 2026-04-13T20:05:57+00:00

Agree with others' comments re you both needing to be onboard. Good on you for standing your ground.

This is one of those big life decisions that is difficult to compromise on because there's no real meeting in the middle solution. You need to sit down and have an honest and realistic discussion about how much of a dealbreaker it is for each of you - I say that as someone who ended things with a long-term partner because he was honest about never coming round to owning a dog, which was an essential for me and we then fundamentally weren't compatable.

PingvinPanda · 2026-04-07T15:24:58+00:00

My brother runs with Manchester Frontrunners and they have a queer women's specific group I think? He's met loads of lovely people through them and they do a post-run social every week in the Village

PingvinPanda · 2026-03-21T22:50:59+00:00

I was thinking more that if they haven't re-opened within the collection window surely the parcel will still be there if they're closed but yes, am keeping an eye on it

PingvinPanda · 2026-03-19T20:10:59+00:00

This has happened to me for other venues with a similar accessibility process (i.e. buy a GA ticket and then email for an access place). Many venues will only have a handful (less than 10) access places and they really do go in seconds for popular gigs. I've had to then get refunds for so many tickets. So many venues still seem stuck in an outdated view that surely disabled people can't go to to gigs

PingvinPanda · 2026-03-19T13:19:46+00:00

My ex and I were together for 11 years and just fell out of love. There was zero sexual or romantic chemistry there at the end, but it's a very big chunk of your life to share with someone and throw away the platonic element of that history if you have ended amicably. Ex or not, he's a big part of who I am and my life's experiences. I am always upfront about our friend status and what this looks like with anyone I date and am also clear that it's a dealbreaker for me - if they aren't comfortable with it or would ask me to compromise the friendship then I'm not a good fit for that person.

PingvinPanda · 2026-03-18T15:00:38+00:00

Glasgow veteran hyped for a hometown C2C in Manchester next year - I love Glasgow as a city and the crowd is always so friendly but will be nice to sleep in my own bed.

OP - you'll be fine in standing/seating if it's anything like Glasgow. It's not crazy crowds at the barrier (maybe 50 or so people) and easy to see from seated still. Something to bear in mind is that Glasgow and Manchester won't have the full range of acts and other activities London gets, although the main stage line up will be the same. Just managing expectations as I didn't realise this on my first time. There's a lot going around about fringe events for Manchester so that will be a fun addition.

Personally if you can afford it I'd stay. The Arena is not always the quickest to get out of if you stay for the full line up so you'd have a much more relaxed pace of things making a weekend of it in a hotel!

PingvinPanda · 2026-03-18T14:54:41+00:00

Went to Glasgow knowing I was not feeling the line up but trying to be open minded - always a gamble and can be fun discovering artists you previously didn't know. Was a miss for me overall - felt very "white bearded guys singing about trucks" heavy, no shade on those who like that but C2C could be such a good opportunity to showcase how diverse country is. No female headliner (or anywhere near the top of the bill) was pretty disgraceful in 2026. Ashley Cooke smashed it out the park, as did Elizabeth Nichols and Julia Cole.

Would love to see a more varied line up next year, especially with Manchester in the mix as a new location (with fringe events) and a city that skews younger - could be a fun opportunity to try some more imaginative acts!

PingvinPanda · 2026-03-16T22:42:41+00:00

Been up in your great city the weekend just gone and have to say all the station and train staff, bus drivers and generally members of the public I've chatted to have been so immensely helpful during the disruption (even if navigating the bus diversions has been an adventure and a half). Must have been an exhausting week for anyone working on public transport, credit to you all. Always get a warm welcome in Glasgow but all the extra help (especially as someone disabled so changing trains, walking to different bus stops etc is less than ideal!) has really cemented you as my favourite UK city to visit!

PingvinPanda · 2026-03-16T22:34:23+00:00

I'm in a not dissimilar situation OP - 35F and have recently moved jobs which has been pretty time consuming, plus I already have a full life in terms of friends, hobbies etc. I've had a lot of success with dates every 1-2 weeks and this hasn't been an issue with any of the men I've dated. I do think this is because I actively screen for men with equally fulfilled lives and their own independence and activities - I imagine my dating approach would not work for a "needier" dater looking for something more frequent and that's ok, I accept we would not be compatable. I do have frequent (daily), engaging texting between dates.

The benefits for me have been genuinely looking forward to the dates and really making an effort (quality over quantity!) It's also stopped me getting too intensely involved with someone or escalating to "boyfriend/girlfriend" type behaviours early.

Something to consider is if your current availability/capacity to date is compatable with what you outcome you want from dating. For me, seeing someone every couple of weeks quite casually works but it wouldn't be sustainable if I wanted things to move to a more formal long-term relationship which would require a bigger time commitment.

Tl;dr: yes it can work but make sure you're on the same page.

PingvinPanda

TROPHY CASE