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Digitized Grandma: The Virtual Gardener
How curiosity, independence and a tablet bring joy to gardening from anywhere
My mom didn’t want to “learn technology.” She just wanted to see what people were talking about. Now from her sunroom, with her tablet and camera, she watches her plants, chats with birds and kids going to school. Occasionally the neighbours stops by and takes pictures of my Mom's garden and that makes her smile — her garden and curiosity never rest.
For the modern Canadian senior, the winter sunroom has become a high-tech sanctuary. Whether you are managing a "store-full" of favourite plants or just a few winter blooms, technology is the ultimate tool for accessibility. By using tablets and home monitoring apps, you can stay connected to your garden’s growth from your favourite armchair. This guide explores how "Digitized Grandmas" (and Grandpas!) across Canada are using their favourite gadgets to make gardening easier, more social and more rewarding than ever before—no heavy lifting required.
This page is for seniors (and their families) who are curious about how technology can enhance their gardening — not complicate it. Sometimes the best tech support is knowing when to step outside and let the garden do the talking. It takes patience on both sides, but it's all worth it.
"Why Accessible Gardening for Seniors is Easier with a Tablet"
- Independence with a Tablet
- Watching Your Garden from Anywhere
- Learning and Sharing by browsing the Internet
One thing that I also did - was Install Outdoor Cameras in my Yard.
So my Mom can garden with me and now my Mom gets to see my weeds before I do.
Or "I looked at your cameras and you were not gardening". :)
A Digitized Grandma uses technology to support independence, observation and curiosity. For example, my Mom uses a tablet and an Eye4 camera to monitor her indoor plants and birdfeeders, staying connected to her garden and the world outside.
She tracks indoor blooms like Amaryllis, Christmas cactus, Hyacinths and her Budgie from her sunroom. Outdoor cameras let her keep an eye on the front and backyard gardens.
The tablet is a tool, not a replacement for gardening. Cameras act as extra eyes, letting her observe comfortably. And yes, sometimes they help with “neighbour watching” too—curiosity is part of the fun!
Mom now teaches her friends small tech tricks she’s discovered. Grandkids can follow along without being physically present. Gardening together, even from a distance, has never been so engaging.
Top Tools for a Virtual Garden
- Tablet for observation and communication
- Indoor cameras for sunroom plants
- Outdoor cameras for backyard and front yard monitoring
- Birdfeeders to attract wildlife
- Puzzles and Videos for reflection and enjoyment
Check out our Winter Sunroom Checklist
for more low-strain gardening tips.
| Plant | Location | Technology Used | Observation Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amaryllis | Sunroom | Tablet + Camera | Blooms in winter, tracked daily |
| Christmas Cactus | Sunroom | Tablet | Long-lasting flowers, easy to check |
| Hyacinths | Sunroom | Tablet | Fragrant, signals “spring is near” |
| Front Yard Plants | Outdoor | Eye4 Cameras | Mom spots weeds before I do |
Daughter_ "you are right Mom!" :)
"Grandma’s App Store:
The Only 4 Icons my Mom Needs"
Eye4: Garden security and growth monitor.
The Weather Network: To tell her when the sunroom needs the heater on.
Youtube: To go to far away places without leaving home.
Doorbell camera: So my Mom can decide if she wants to go down the stairs.