The Placer RCD has completed and released design and construction plans for an improved version of an accessible raised garden bed. This garden bed is designed to be longer lasting, improve the reach for those who use chairs, and is capable of recycling water and nutrients!
Garden beds, whether on the ground or slightly raised, are important and symbolic elements of a traditional garden site. Seniors and persons with disabilities, who otherwise find it difficult to garden within a grounded or raised bed, require a special kind of raised bed that better meets their needs. Many accessible raised beds, though helpful, often compromise accessibility for longevity or longevity for accessibility. However, thanks to an Urban Ag and Community Initiative Grant made available by the National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD) and the Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS), the Placer RCD (and Hamilton County SWCD) took up the challenge of creating a bed that is longer lasting and more accessible for seniors, those who use wheelchairs, or those who generally prefer standing to kneeling.
The construction plans for the design include a 3D Sketchup model, an Excel document with a complete list of tools and parts, a construction document with instructions, and a complete video guide that you can follow along with.
To learn more or ask questions, please contact:
-
Andrew Justus-Fritz
Community & Conservation Director