Despite the challenges arising from a serious injury, Michael Soleri continues growing fruit and vegies, with lots of determination and a whole new garden.
Michael Soleri was lucky to survive a motorcycle accident nine years ago that doctors thought would leave him wheelchair-bound. Before the accident, Michael’s career as a market gardener meant his life revolved around growing vegetables, but his extensive injuries jeopardised his future in the field.
Michael’s debilitation left him in a wheelchair, threatening his ability to garden. It was clear something had to be done to enable Michael to keep gardening. Wendy Clarke from Dirtscape Dreaming in Melbourne was consulted. Together, the pair designed a productive garden specific to Michael’s new needs.
Raised garden beds were the answer, varying in height and length so they wouldn’t look like ‘a bunch of boxes’ and, more importantly, would allow Michael to plant, weed and harvest without having to kneel or bend too far. Each bed – which is made from treated pine, and lined and waterproofed – is only 1m wide so Michael can work from both sides of the plot comfortably. The pathways between each of the garden beds have been built so they are wide enough to accommodate either a wheelchair or a wheelbarrow.
Michael had a 5000L water tank installed, which has been screened off for aesthetic purposes. Water from the tank is delivered to the vegie beds via a series of soaker hoses that have been made from recycled tyres. Gravel surrounds the base of the fruit trees, many of which are in large containers, which enables the tank water to filter through more efficiently to the roots. Better access is what this design is about and it’s all in the details. Michael’s garden was originally on a slope, so Wendy faced the challenge of creating a multi-level garden that was accessible by wheelchair.
The pathways that provide access to the various levels were lined with exposed aggregate, so the wheelchair would have enough grip to prevent it from slipping. Michael’s potting bench has been adjusted to a more comfortable height for him to work at, while the compost bin is in a timber frame with removable slats at the front so he can turn the compost from the side rather than through the opening at the top.
With determination and physiotherapy, Michael has now regained much of his mobility, and no longer needs to use a wheelchair to get around. He can’t kneel, however, so the garden continues to work beautifully for him, with its raised vegie beds and ledges to perch on.
Michael now does everything he wants to, from sowing seed to growing plants in cloches and a hothouse, to turning compost and pruning roses.
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