How to Build a Wheelchair-accessible Garden
Published: April 23, 2014
Being confined to a wheelchair can affect your life in unexpected ways. Of course, there are the mobility issues, and many public facilities aren't as accessible as they should be, despite the rules outlined by the Americans with Disabilities Act. However, some tasks that you might take for granted can be downright impossible to accomplish when reliant on a wheelchair – gardening is one of those tasks. Thankfully, there's a solution.
Making Gardening Feasible for Wheelchair Users
The problem with gardening from a wheelchair is that it is difficult to reach ground level. As a result, a simple task such as planting seeds or pulling out weeds by the roots can be made incredibly difficult. In effect, a separation of just a foot or two can make the difference between being able to do something and not.
So how can someone who is dependent on a wheelchair continue to pursue a passion for gardening? Well, the solution might sound counter-intuitive at first, but is actually quite simple. Instead of trying to go down to ground level, why not bring the garden up to you? That is the promise of a raised garden bed – it elevates the garden so that you can plant, water, hedge and trim comfortably, right from your seat.
How to Build a Wheelchair-accessible Garden
Building a garden that is accessible from a wheelchair is actually fairly simple, especially if you have friends or family that can provide assistance. Otherwise, we recommend that you utilize the services of a contractor. The principle is a basic one: build a planter box that can contain the soil and plants above ground. To do so, all you need is some common tools and materials, such as:
- Wood (6" x 6" timbers)
- Nails
- Screws
- Rebar
- Saw
- Hammer
- Drill
Once the materials and tools have been gathered, you'll want to go about determining where to put your raised planter box. After you've determined the location (remember: you'll want to be able to access the planter from both sides), mark it out with spray paint and remove the top layer of grass. You will then:
Set the Foundation – Dig trenches for the four timbers that will serve as the planter's base. Once these timbers are in place, secure them by placing rebar through the timbers into the ground. Make sure that the rebar is flush with the top of the timber so that you can build on top of it. Taking this extra step will ensure your planter box doesn't move.
Build the Planter Box – After you have set your foundation by placing the first level of timbers into the ground, you can build atop of it. When adding additional timbers, be sure to overlap any gaps in the wood so that the planter box is interlocked. As you add each additional layer, secure it in place with wood screws. Think of it in terms of building a brick wall – each should overlap the other.
Prepare the Box for Soil – The planter box will be tasked with containing several hundred pounds of soil (assuming you set the top of the planter box at a height of roughly 30"), so you'll want to take some extra steps once it's in place before you add soil. First, add drainage holes in the first level of timbers; to avoid the holes becoming clogged by soil, place a pile of rocks in front of each. Second, add cross beams on the top of your planter box to prevent bowing; as always, secure them in place with wood screws.
Remember, building a planter box is doable if you have help, but it might be best to have a professional contractor build one for you. That way, you eliminate the risk of injury. If you and your friends are the adventurous and handy type, however, now you know how to build a wheelchair-accessible garden!
