The Wheelchair Garden

Discussion in 'Gardening For People With Disabilities' started by IanArmour, Oct 3, 2011.

  1. IanArmour

    IanArmour Apprentice Gardener

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    I have designed this new garden as there seems to be a need for a production garden specifically made and designed by those confined to a wheelchair. I would be grateful for any feedback you may have as I have recently launched my company.

    The Green Circle Garden consists of ten self-irrigating garden units designed to provide horticultural therapy for people of all ages, especially for those with mental or physical disabilities.

    Wheelchair gardeners can get up close to reach all the cultivation area and the units are suitable for children’s use and allow scope for creativity.

    The easily set-up GC units are made of GRP. High UV resistance makes the garden robust and long lasting, with minimum maintenance. Different colours are available.

    Flowers, herbs, vegetables and even small fruits can be grown, thanks to the generous volume of soil and innovative perpetual irrigation system.

    The modular units can be laid out in various ways to suit the available garden space; normally a circle of ten but with a simple division, up to twenty adults can be pottering independently.

    Individual units are available.
     
  2. IanArmour

    IanArmour Apprentice Gardener

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    Photos can be seen on my profile album HERE
     
  3. Marley Farley

    Marley Farley Affable Admin! Staff Member

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    [​IMG] Ian.. Enjoy Gardeners Corner..
     
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    Phil A Guest

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    Welcome to Gardeners Corner:)
     
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    Penny in Ontario Total Gardener

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  6. HYDROGEN86

    HYDROGEN86 Head Gardener

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  7. catztail

    catztail Crazy Cat Lady

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    That's the noise you make when you eat too much......:heehee:
     
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    • HYDROGEN86

      HYDROGEN86 Head Gardener

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    • IanArmour

      IanArmour Apprentice Gardener

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      Thanks everybody for the kind welcome :)

      GRP is Glass reinforced fibre the same as found in boats and yachts. The reason for this material is that it is robust, has excellent weather resistance and has a top quality surface finish. These units are designed to last 15years+. The GC garden has a mat finish replicating a sandy finish.

      What are your views?
       
    • HYDROGEN86

      HYDROGEN86 Head Gardener

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      My view is that your garden looks wicked! Keep up the good work.
       
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      • JWK

        JWK Gardener Staff Member

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        It looks good Ian, I hope you do well with it. The price frightens the living daylights out of me though! I guess you have done your marketing and know the type of customer who could afford your system.
         
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        • IanArmour

          IanArmour Apprentice Gardener

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          Thanks John, the cost of the development and the time taken to bring this product to realisation has been considerable. We have ear marked 4 pairs of gardens on extended loan to several charities to obtain feedback. I have secured a registered design and patent in Europe so hopefully in time more efficient manufacturing processes will reduce its cost, that's the idea!!

          The use of GRP is essential as the working garden (soil & water) will weigh approx 800lbs and needs to be heavy duty to withstand the high diurnal range over the seasons and years. At the moment there is 24m of wick per unit (Wick system irrigation) and post labour in plumbing. Also included with each unit are 30ltrs of nutrient and moisture retaining medium and absorbent mat. I do have to create a short animation on the workings of the GC garden as at the moment it looks like a simple container :P
           
        • Sheal

          Sheal Total Gardener

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          It's a great idea Ian. :dbgrtmb: My only problem......I'd prefer the colours to be a bit more subtle. :)
           
        • IanArmour

          IanArmour Apprentice Gardener

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          Sheil,
          You can choose whatever RAL colour you want :) I agree that my render is not the most appealing colour, I'll have to work on it.
           
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          • catztail

            catztail Crazy Cat Lady

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            Well done Ian and welcome to GC. It looks like a brilliant idea and I hope you do well with it. Gardening can be a great therapy for people and making it easier for those that otherwise might struggle under normal circumstances is sorely needed. Best of luck with your idea!!
             
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