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The official opening of the Allan Simpson Courtyard took place at 6:30pm on Thursday, June 13, 2000 with the unveiling of the stone marker by Ms. Clare Simpson, widow of the late Allan Simpson.

Adjacent to the stone marker and the centre piece of the courtyard is the pond. The water fall features of the pond with its accompanying sounds provides a tranquil setting to allow individuals the opportunity to just sit back and relax. Goldfish have been added to the pond and tenants have commented that this has enhanced the already peaceful surroundings. The height of the pond allows a person from a seated position to see and touch the water surface.

The courtyard consists of several raised flower bed and is an area that is well treed which provide shade during the heat of the day which is critical to people who are sensitive to heat . It is an area to socialize and enjoy the warm spring and summer months. The raised beds consist of annuals and perennials in which the flowers can be touched and felt from a seated position.

The raised flower bed constructed of interlocking bricks is an illustration of varying work heights to garden.

The entrance to the back courtyard and gardening area consists of a metal ramp and railing system to negotiate the change in elevation. The entrance is highlighted by the wooden arbor which has been designed with smooth edging to ensure no one is exposed to splintered wood and subsequent slivers. As one passes the entry vines and raspberry bushes have been planted around the sides of the arbor.

An aerial shot of the back shows the various containers used for gardening as well as the different paving materials. The opportunity to trial the various paving materials enables us to assess what materials work best for people with different mobility needs in carrying out the tasks of gardening. You will note in the forefront of the aerial shot the use of aggregate stone which has been impregnated with an epoxy which provides a smooth but consistent surface. This relatively new technique provides a flat but gritty surface allowing all types of mobility aids to safely manoeuver on its surface (ie. Including walkers and canes) without fear of catching an edge or crack. The installer reports the surface is not prone to heaving and cracking which is common in Winnipeg given the clay soil base. Trialing these various paving material will enable us to determine what is a viable option for pedestrian use.

This rectangular raised container consists of 2 elongated sheep feeders positioned in a wooden frame allowing for a degree of knee clearance. The beds are accessed from all sides of the frame. Please note the individual waterline on the right side of the container which can be turned on/off with a lever switch. The sprinkler head consists of a strip of soaker hose which gently sprays both sides of the elongated container. The majority of garden containers in the back courtyard have individual waterlines with different watering heads fed to them to allow people to conveniently water their gardens without having to struggle with the use of a water hose.

This pictures illustrates the variety of materials that can be used for container gardening. Each container has been set at a different work height. The lowest work height is 18 inches with the highest work height being 31 inches.

In the forefront this sheep trough is secured onto a treated wood "x" designed base which makes up this circular container garden. The top of the trough is covered with lawn edging providing a smooth surface decreasing the risk of abrasions or cuts. It has its own water line and sprinkler head.

To the right and behind the "sheep trough" container garden is a water hose and carrier with an extended wand and lever shut off valve. It is used to water the container garden to the far right.

This container garden is constructed from an old satellite dish and provides the greatest amount of leg space in comparison to the other container gardens. It too has a separate water line and utilizes a buried soaker hose to moisten the soil. One limitation noted is the depth of soil which is 4 inches at the outer edge of the container. This limits what plant materials can be used at the outer edge of the container. Over head is an adjustable hanger system that we are experimenting with to determine is viability. The goal is to have a height adjustable basket system that is easily handled by a gardener working from a seated position.

The design of this raised bed with its elevated walkway provides two distinct working areas for gardening (ie. One for planting and one for picking) The design recognizes that reach is critical when gardening from a seated position as plants grow and can become inaccessible. For example by using the raised pathway a gardener can access the top of his tomato plant. On the outside perimeter of the containers the large stone edging can also acts as another area to sit and tend to the garden.

This wood "X" shaped container with its recessed base provides foot rest clearance for the gardener who uses a wheelchair. Good side access and reach from a wheelchair is provided with this design. All sharp edges have been sanded off to a round and smooth finish to reduce the risk of cuts, abrasions or slivers.

This shot illustrates the use of mulched surfaces to decrease the task of weeding and also is fed by an underground sprinkler system to do away with the task of hand watering. Not illustrated but soon to be installed will be a patio lighting system to allow for evening use and enjoyment of the space.

The accessible garden is in its first real season of use by interested tenants. Plot/container assignment was done through a random draw. It has become abundantly clear even in its initial use that many tenants enjoy the ability to garden. Updates will be provided at the end of the 2001 growing season to share ideas, perspectives from the tenants with disabilities who used the garden.

Read up on the background of this project.