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Published on 07/16/09

Workshops offered for arthritic gardeners

University of Georgia

Gardeners who suffer from arthritis can learn to plant and tend vegetables and weed flowerbeds with less pain at a new workshop offered by the University of Georgia’s AgrAbility program and the Arthritis Foundation.

The workshop, “Gardening and Farming with Arthritis,” will be offered in Athens Aug. 5, Gainesville Aug. 12, Tifton Nov. 5 and Macon Dec. 9.

Participants will learn how to manage arthritis pain through planting modifications, tool adaptations and other strategies. A tai chi class will follow each workshop. The tai chi portion will focus on slow, meditative, physical exercise designed for relaxation, balance and health.

Georgia’s AgrAbility program promotes independence for those disabled in the agricultural community. Presented by UGA Cooperative Extension, it is part of a national program administered through the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

To register, visit www.farmagain.com/register, or call 706-542-0304 (toll free at 877-524-6264). The cost is $15. The workshops will be offered two times a day, at 9 a.m. (9:30 a.m. in Athens) and again at 2 p.m. Space is limited to 25 people per class.

Stephanie Schupska is the communications coordinator with the University of Georgia Honors College.