Even at first glance, you know this Eden belongs to a hands-on gardener.
What may surprise you is the fact that this garden is planted and tended
by someone who is paralyzed from his breastbone down. Bill Holloway
calls his oasis an "accessibility garden where anyone can successfully
grow something."
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| A tapestry of textures and painterly color combinations belies the true
bones of this garden--nine raised beds that are wheelchair accessible. |
Family Love
As any seasoned gardener will tell you, sometimes plants don't flourish
when they're too pampered. Bill's family must have known that the same
is true with people. Depressed and on the verge of giving up, Bill
returned home from the hospital after a devastating accident and
announced that he was going to quit gardening. But his family knew this
was the exact opposite of what he needed. Bill now credits his wife,
Suzy; their four children; and his sister Barbara Smith with giving him
the encouragement to keep going.
In a Timely Manner
To keep the garden looking great, Bill stays on top of chores as they
arise--sound advice for any gardener. In spring, it takes Bill just a
half-day to work the soil in all nine beds, and the results pay off
year-round.
As for watering, a combination overhead and spray head system gives him
the best results. Bill also waters by hand occasionally. During the
height of summer, he waters for 45 minutes to 1 hour every other day.
