DEVELOPING RAISED GARDENING BEDS FOR THOSE OF VARYING ABILITIES AT A LOCAL COMMUNITY GARDEN
Horticulture & Turfgrass
Taun Beddes
Horticulture Agent
UTAH STATE UNIVERSITY
Orem
Abstract
DEVELOPING RAISED GARDENING BEDS FOR THOSE OF VARYING ABILITIES AT A LOCAL COMMUNITY GARDEN \r\n\r\nCommunity gardens offer multiple benefits. Examples include racial and socioeconomic lines often being crossed by participants and improvement in the diets of gardeners. Additionally, the property values in the immediate area of these gardens often increase. Community gardens are frequently a focal point of horticultural education. However, one group that is often overlooked is those with disabilities. To offset this, several raised gardening beds, designed and built by those with varying abilities, were completed in 2009 by the Utah Conservation Corps (a part of AmeriCorps) to provide gardening space and horticulture education for those with a range of disabilities. Of these, certain beds are accessible to those using wheelchairs or mobility devices while others are designed for use by those who cannot bend easily at the waist. Others, lower in height, are designed for those who best garden in a sitting position. In 2009, several classes teaching adaptive gardening were offered that resulted in over 60 educational contacts. All gardening beds were additionally used by those of varying abilities to produce several hundred pounds of vegetables. More raised beds will be completed in 2010. No fewer than twenty businesses and organizations have been involved in their construction. Future plans call for increased accessibility with development of a hard surfaced walking trail and an innovative, accessible greenhouse. Increased educational opportunities will additionally be offered.
Authors: Beddes, T.
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Beddes, T. Horticulture Agent, Utah State University, Utah, 84321