Equity in the Garden
Some of you may have seen a meme going around social media that shows the difference between equality and equity, where three people of varying heights are viewing a baseball game from outside an opaque fence. Equality assumes everyone benefits from the same support, i.e., equal treatment. All three are given a box of the same size on which to stand. This only works for two of the three. However, if everyone gets the support they need, then equity is produced. In this case, boxes of varying sizes are given to those that need a particular size in order to see over the fence. Equity is essentially fairness, where access to the same opportunities is available to all.
This can be applied to gardening as well. If one considers a community garden open to the public, it should go without saying that there should be opportunities for everyone to garden. All age groups, all backgrounds, all physical capabilities…all means all.
How do we go about providing equity in the garden?
One way is to install raised planting beds. This can be either in the form of a formal vegetable garden laid out on a grid pattern, or in a more organic fashion by using low stone walls that serpentine around the yard. Other materials for walls include brick and lumber such as reclaimed railroad ties. However, one must consider how the lumber is treated and if that is compatible with how it will be used.
Building low walls allows the gardener to sit or lean on the wall as they work in the raised bed behind it. In addition, if a sturdy, walkable pathway is adjacent to the wall, it allows a person in a wheelchair to easily reach within the planting bed. This also reduces the need to bend over all the way to the ground putting less stress on back muscles. It also means no more kneeling on the ground (or in my case on an old pillow like my mom used to do).
Walkways should be firm, durable, and slip resistant. They should be at least three feet wide to accommodate a wheelchair. Wider is better and feels more comfortable. If you do not want to use concrete or brick pavers, consider crushed shells or a crushed stone base with stone dust as a topcoat. You can also go natural with mulch or lawn; however, this type of material is not appropriate for wheelchair users.
Another way to provide equity in the garden is to create spaces that allow all visitors to rest and enjoy the garden in any way they feel is best for them. This means providing plantings and other items in the garden that can translate through all five senses. In addition, the spaces should be comfortable and provide a sense of safety for anyone that uses them.
Utilizing the five senses in the garden is great way to bring joy to all. Texture in the hardscape as well as in the planting material is important for the visually impaired. Fragrance is also a perfect way to enhance the garden experience. Using familiar aromas such as lavender, rosemary, or even gardenia is strongly suggested.
Sound can also be used in the garden, either by using plants whose leaves rustle in the wind, or by placing wind chimes in special areas. In some therapy gardens, musical devices are placed for anyone to play and enjoy. The wind can also be harvested to make kinetic sculptures move in a slight breeze, tantalizing the sense of sight.
Consider all these options when planning your garden. Anticipating the diverse cross section of people who will experience your garden is one of the key aspects of garden design. Providing equity in the garden is providing safe and special places for all to enjoy. ▼
Eric W. Wahl is Landscape Architect at Pennoni Associates, and President of the Delaware Native Plant Society.