Blind Gardeners & Tools for Blind Gardeners

20 years ago

I'm wondering if there are any other blind gardeners out there? My husband & I both garden, but my husband attended the local school for the blind and is legally blind.

DH is the person who originally got me hooked on gardening. He has gardened for about 10 years now. Despite not being able to see, DH laid an 85 ft. brick-on- sand pathway (the correct way) with a garden bed on either side. He also created a huge bed in our front yard, 12 ft x 100 ft, which he mulches and maintains by himself. (I hope you can tell I'm proud.)

Anyway, aside from wondering if there are other blind/ visually impaired gardeners out there, we are looking for a level that a visually impaired person could use. We can't find anything. I've looked on the web and have come up empty-handed. We also checked with the Lighthouse for the Blind, and they don't have anything either. DH wants to create another brick pathway that will be wider than the original one, and he could really use a level.

Also, DH was wondering if anyone knows of a device a visually impaired person could use safely to edge garden beds instead of having to pull the grass by hand?

Comments (8)

cburg
20 years ago
there's a laser level that perhaps you could rent - it has a receiver and makes beeping sounds that identify when you're 'getting to' level and when you're at level. we just saw a contractor use it when putting in concrete steps for a friend.
Redthistle
Original Author
20 years ago
Cburg, Thanks for the info. I went this weekend to take a look at the laser levels available at our local Lowe's but they were all the kind that show a visual laser line.

I wonder where you contractor bought his?
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ellen_
20 years ago
I just found your message. Yes, I've been gardening for over 40 years and am totally blind. However, I've never done the type of work you describe that your husband did. I've just hired. That sounds more like the kind of work a landscaper would do. I'm not really familiar with the type of tool you're looking for. I stay with the simple ones used in the average garden. Check out companies which sell adaptive technology for the visually impaired. One company which is excellent for this is LS&S. If they don't have the tool you're looking for, perhaps they can refer you to a company which does.
As far as edging goes, I just use the standard hoe and if needed a pitch fork.

Here is a link that might be useful: LS&S Products
Redthistle
Original Author
20 years ago
LS&S Products has some neat things, but I didn't find a level. However, DH seems to be doing okay on the project without a level so far. I'm glad to hear there are others visually impaired gardeners out there. Thanks for the help.
Redthistle
Original Author
20 years ago
With the help from one of our neighbors, we were able to find a beeping level on the Internet for about $50.00. It's been ordered and is coming from England. Even though $50.00 is a lot, for the amount of brick pathway my husband wants to install, it's worth it. I don't have the URL with me or I'd post it. I'll give an update when we get it, just incase anyone else might be interested.
sabradees
20 years ago
My Hubby is also blind ( 100% ) He got his level from The state commission for the blind ( in Texas ) If you dont find one soon I will try to hunt it down and find the company name.
vip_uc
15 years ago
I've had a look in Google for you, but I'm in the UK and get mainly UK results. Still, I'll do my best.

People in the States usually seem to look at MaxiAids for adapted devices like this, so they might be worth a try.

http://www.maxiaids.com/

Failing that, here are some more.

Audible Spirit Level called the Stabula from Tool King in the US

http://www.toolking.com/products/52437959.aspx?c_j=37959

Another Audible Spirit Level from the RNIB in the UK

http://onlineshop.rnib.org.uk/display_item.asp?n=01&c=50&sc=121&id=2299&it=1&l=3&d=0

Brochure for this item (Word doc)

http://onlineshop.rnib.org.uk/DownloadInstructions.aspx?filename=DY08.doc&status=True&actualFile=DY08%20new.doc&prodid=2299

UK Â£28.69 including tax.

There's another one at ConformUK

http://www.conformuk.com/audible_spirit_level.html

Price UK Â£32.25

Yet another one at Cobolt.co.uk

http://www.cobolt.co.uk/cobs/product.asp?dept_id=4&pf_id=0048

Price: UK Â£22.95

MK Products, based Cyprus!
http://www.mkprosopsis.com/Hardware/HouseholdProducts.htm

They claim they have contacts with distributors world-wide.

Hope that helps.

Seems to me there are masses of blind gardeners in the world, and I'm one of them, though I confine myself to plants and don't get too involved with the hardware!

Hoping to encourage others to have a go, I put together a Blind Gardening web page at

http://www.batfromhell.co.uk/blindgardening.html

We have an organisation here called Thrive, which does all kinds of wonderful things with blind gardeners.
Best of luck with the landscaping!

And Happy New Year to all!

Vince

Here is a link that might be useful: Vince's Parallax: Blnd Gardening Page
finchelover
15 years ago
what about an edger. I was thinking if you put the wheel against the walk,wall etc you would get a feel and be able to go up the row with it. I'm not blind just a suggestion.