Having talked about the need for a greater variety of ‘easy’ garden options for a number of years, it seems that new styles of container gardens are becoming more available.  Businesses are beginning to realize that gardening should be easier and more accessible.  This applies to people who are working and do not have a lot of time to spend in a garden.  It also includes people who have only a balcony or patio to garden.  It important for older adults who want to continue to garden and may not have the physical dexterity to work on the ground.  And it is especially  important for people with disabilities.

An article in today’s Wall Street Journal, “For a Green Thumb, Just Add Water”, talks about the emerging products available for consumers.  The author of the article, Gwendolyn Bounds, shows off her own gardening prowess with a variety of containers on her deck.  The article talks about the container options that are available as well as how to get started.  The more we can show people how easy it is to garden, the more we can get people to raise more of their own produce.  To read the article, follow the attached link –  http://online.wsj.com/article/SB124520179044721607.html

Two of the raised containers that were mentioned in the article include: Earth Solutions – ‘Farm in a Box -http://www.earthsolutions.com/Farm-in-a-Box-Mini_p_597.html and also Laminations – “EarthBox” -http://www.earthbox.com/

Other types of containers include raised planters, such as the ones used at Medford Leas CCRC in Medford, NJ.  The liners came from Lowe’s and the frame was constructed by Medford Cedar Products.  The three planters are 18″, 24″ and 30″ in height and allow a range of users to access the raised gardens easily.

Raised Planter at Medford Leas CCRC, Medford, NJ