Slopes in the garden will necessitate the construction of steps or ramps. Most ambulant gardeners will find that steps are easier to negotiate than ramps. Steps should be as wide and shallow as possible, as they will not only be easier to climb but will allow planks to be laid over them to ease the transportation of wheeled garden equipment. Alternatively, sloping ramps can be built at the side of the steps for this purpose. For wheelchair gardeners, ramps are essential. Where possible, make slopes no steeper than 1:15, a gradient that should be manageable by both ambulant and wheelchair gardeners alike (although it may be possible to have slightly steeper slopes if a powered wheelchair is used) If a ramp has to be longer than about 10m (33ft), a level area should be provided every 4.6m (15ft) along it to enable a wheelchair gardener to rest. It may be necessary to erect a handrail on one or both sides of the path, especially near to steps or ramps. Many materials can be used for handrails, but galvanized piping, although perhaps a little unattractive, is the most practical. It is, however, vital that any handrail is strong, is securely fixed and is free from any play or movement so that it can safely bear the gardener's weight. Ground- Level Beds. It is likely that the ground-level beds already present in the garden will
need some modification if they are to be tended easily. Because uneven soil is difficult
to walk on and will not support a stick or walking frame, it will be necessary to have
access to all parts of the bed from a hard surface. The existing beds will often be
found to be too wide to be worked easily, and this can best be overcome by laying paths
along one or both sides of the bed. The maximum practical width of a bed allowing
easy access from a path is 60cm (2ft); if there is a path on both sides, 1.2m (4ft) is the
optimum width. These paths can also act as useful weed barriers if the bed adjoins a
lawn or other similar feature. It is perfectly possible for a wheelchair gardener with a
strong upper body to work ground-level beds of this width from the path by using
long-handled tools. Closely placed stepping stones leading to a hard surface such as
a large paving slab, which will give the gardener a firm surface on which to stand and
work, can be laid throughout the bed to give access for tasks that might be difficult to
carry out from the path, such as the pruning of shrubs and roses. However, if the
gardener has to use any form of walking aid, stepping stones are not really suitable
because of the ever-present danger that the stick will be placed on, and sink into the
soil, which could cause a fall. If access is required, it is better to construct a
small path, wide enough for the walking aid, leading into the bed.
Portrait of Norwich - A collection of stunning
photographs displaying the city in all its medieval, Tudor and contemporary glory.
From the new Forum and the Cathedral to the vibrant market square and the Norman Castle,
author Alan Childs has painted a true and colourful picture of this East Anglian city.
|
