Question #1: I am looking for information regarding raised bed garden construction for wheelchair bound gardeners. Do you have any information to share? My son participates in a program at a local high school where disabled students manufacture and sell products through a store they operate. The students are also exposed to other events and activities. The director has begun construction of a patio in the school courtyard. As part of the courtyard the students will be planting a garden. They want to have some raised bed garden areas for the wheelchair bound students. Right now we are looking for information on construction of wheelchair accessible raised beds. Thank you for your time in reading and responding to my request.
Answer: The following information should be helpful.
Raised beds made with landscape timbers
Beds should be no taller than 24 inches tall to be accessible for wheelchair-bound or those that would need to be seated while working in the garden.
Beds should be no more than 4 feet if accessible from both sides or 2 feet if accessible from one side.
Beds should be no longer than 10 feet.
If this bed is to be used with a wheelchair, it will need a cement walk on all four sides.
I also found a few websites that I think will provide additional info and ideas.
**************************************************************************************************************************** Question #2: My husband wants to build a flower bed around a river birch, with 3 branches, that is 8 years old. What precautions should we take when building the bed to keep from doing any damage to the tree. The bed will be 14 inches deep. This tree has a lot of sentimental value tome and I don't want to lose it. Thank you for any help you can provide.
Answer: I would strongly recommend against building any bed under an existing tree like that, especially if there is sentimental value. Drastic grade changes such as the one you are proposing are often detrimental to a tree. Roots growing near the surface are responsible for oxygen uptake. By burying them 14 inches you are basically suffocating the roots which often results in death. For further information refer to our fact sheet F-6429 - Site Disturbance and Tree Decline. A copy can be obtained from your county extension office or by going on-line at http://agweb.okstate.edu/pearl/hort/ornamental/index.html