With imagination and real interest even the more physically restricted individual can participate in this activity. Japanese and alpine gardens are permanent installations with little maintenance once they are established. They are sites where the gardener can rest and contemplate, or spend as much time as desired on small but rewarding tasks of removing dead flowers and leaves, pulling weeds, and otherwise grooming the garden. There are plant societies and garden associations for most of the popular garden plants and gardening styles. Membership in the organizations and participation in their local chapter activities bring the rewards of new skills and knowledge and new friends.
Participation also leads to the exchange of both ideas and plants.
By selecting compact varieties and following the planting and cultural recommendations given earlier, disabled gardeners can take pride and satisfaction in growing food for the table. The beginning gardener should start with fast and easy crops such as radishes, spring onions, or leaf lettuce. These can be washed and eaten right in the garden and give encouragement to wait for the slower crops such as beans and tomatoes. The garden can be designed to provide additional activities besides planting, maintenance, and harvest. It can provide food for picnics, holidays, or theme parties.