An AI representation of an accessible community garden
Spring is just around the corner, and guess what? We’re planting something amazing at LIFTT! This year, for the first time, LIFTT will be home to a fully ADA-accessible community garden at 1241 Crawford Drive, Billings, MT 59102, running throughout the Spring, Summer, and Fall of 2025. That’s right — a garden that welcomes EVERYONE to dig, plant, grow, and harvest together. Imagine it: fresh veggies, vibrant flowers, laughter, and the joy of getting your hands in the soil (or supervising from a comfy spot if that’s more your speed!). Whether you’re a seasoned gardener, a first-time planter, or someone who wants to soak up the sunshine and community spirit, this garden is for YOU.
Why a Community Garden at LIFTT?
Because gardening is for EVERYBODY, we believe that access to green spaces, fresh food, and the simple joy of growing something with your own hands should be inclusive. That’s why this garden is designed with raised beds, wide pathways, and accessible seating — so everyone can participate, regardless of mobility or ability.
How Can You Get Involved?
- Plan to join us! Whether you want to plant, water, weed, or just enjoy the beauty of nature with good company, there’s a place for you.
- Grow what you love. We’ll have space for fruits, veggies, flowers, herbs, and maybe even a surprise or two!
- Learn and share. We’ll host gardening workshops, community events, and celebrations throughout the seasons.
Mark Your Calendars — Spring 2025 Is Just the Beginning!
We’ll be breaking ground in early Spring, and we can’t wait to see what grows — not just in the garden, but in the friendships, joy, and community spirit we cultivate together. At LIFTT’s ADA Accessible All Inclusive Community Garden, you can use tools to help individuals with mobility limitations, arthritis, low grip strength, or other physical challenges participate in gardening. Some examples include:
- Long-Handled Tools– Rakes, hoes, and trowels with extended handles reduce the need for bending or reaching.
- Ergonomic Hand Tools– Lightweight tools with padded, easy-grip handles reduce strain on hands and wrists.
- Adaptive Gripping Aids– Devices that attach to tools to improve grip for individuals with limited dexterity.
- Raised Garden Beds– Elevated planters and vertical gardens allow gardening from a seated or standing position.
- Kneelers and Garden Seats– Cushioned kneeling pads and rolling garden seats provide support and reduce strain.
- Self-Watering Containers– Minimize the need for frequent watering and reduce maintenance effort.
- One-Handed Gardening Tools– trowels and cultivators specially designed to be used with one hand.
- Wheelchair-Accessible Garden Layouts– Wide pathways, waist-high planting beds, and accessible workstations.
So, whether you’re a green-thumbed expert or want to enjoy the sights and smells of fresh basil and blooming sunflowers, LIFTT’s Community Garden is calling your name. Let’s plant something incredible together. Want to learn more or get involved? Stay tuned to LIFTT’s Website, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and LinkedIn for upcoming details, volunteer opportunities, and garden events!
See you in the garden!
About Living Independently for Today & Tomorrow (LIFTT): LIFTT is a Montana 501(c)3 corporation organized as a Center for Independent Living (CIL). With team members based in Billings and Glendive, LIFTT provides aging and disabled members of the community with programs and services that help empower them to break down the physical, bureaucratic, and cultural barriers that prevent them from being fully independent participants in their lives and communities throughout 18 counties in southeastern and south-central Montana: Big Horn, Carbon, Carter, Custer, Dawson, Fallon, Garfield, Golden Valley, McCone, Musselshell, Powder River, Prairie, Richland, Rosebud, Stillwater, Treasure, Wibaux, and Yellowstone. For more information, please visit liftt.org or download our mobile app for your Apple or Android Device.