In the enabling garden, larger-sized containers on or abutting pavement are important because they raise the soil and plants high enough to be reached easily. Larger sizes are also heavier and stable enough for the gardener to safely lean on for support without tipping. They present clearly defined gardening areas more easily accessed by individuals with visual impairments and they hold larger amounts of soil, allowing a greater number and variety of plants to be grown. Larger containers also tend to retain moisture longer than smaller ones, so they are more forgiving if a watering is missed. They can be placed anywhere within easy reach - either singly, adjacent to one another, or in rows. Round, square, or rectangular sizes should range from 18 to 30 inches high with approximately 24 inches being best for the seated gardener. Diameters or width (outside wall to outside wall) must consider reaching capabilities and proximity to paved areas. If the planter can be reached from all sides, it can be as wide as 5 feet. Clearly, this is a big planter. More practical would be to put two 30-inch planters together. Use a maximum of 30 inches or half of the freestanding ones if positioned against a wall or abutting a pavement edge, thus reachable from one side only. Remember that these are maximums and may exceed the reach of smaller gardeners, so it is important to understand the reaching limits of the gardener and adjust accordingly. Within these reach parameters, one can cluster containers and vary heights for a tiered effect that makes plantings more interesting. The important thing is that the gardener can reach all areas without strain.

Two representative book covers about container gardening.

Smaller pots and window boxes can be can be placed on shelves or brackets attached to walls, fences and railings all again at comfortable heights. Remember the smaller the container the more quickly it will dry out particularly later in the season when plants mature and roots fill the soil.