Accessible garden path materials - Ask Extension
The ADA prefers non-permeable surfaces like concrete, asphalt, decking, or smooth pavers for pathways between accessible garden beds. The rationale is...
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Accessible garden path materials #861847
Asked March 18, 2024, 3:21 PM EDT
The ADA prefers non-permeable surfaces like concrete, asphalt, decking, or smooth pavers for pathways between accessible garden beds. The rationale is that such materials are easy to roll onto and won't clog spokes on wheelchairs. That seems great for public spaces, but for home gardeners such surfaces are expensive and can cause drainage difficulties. Can you suggest alternative materials that would be easier and less expensive to install? It seems to me that well tamped gravel or even wood chips would be suitable for the relatively short paths between raised bed. Even carefully install flagstones or bricks might work. I'd welcome your thoughts.
Hennepin County Minnesota
Expert Response
Thank you for reaching out to ask2.extension.
Any of the materials you have mentioned above will work. Pea rock would also be a material. All of theses materials will allow weeds to grow, so the path will have to be maintained. There are also rubber stepping stones that could be used. You could put down landscape fabric to try to battle the weed issue.
None of these will be easy for a wheel chair if that is a concern.
I have used flagstone with peacock between them. I do have to deal with weeds.
Should say pea rock.
