I am fairly new to this list and with winter growing bulbs from south >> africa. I would like to ask if anyone could spare a little wisdom with me. I am >> disabled and taking care of the many small bulbs in lots of small pots is >> getting me down. >> Any thoughts on the subject? > >Raised beds are ideal for small bulbs. I had a large one at my old house, and >another, smaller one where I am now, but the railway ties I used for walls >ultimately turned out to be harboring carpenter ants, so they were disposed of >and now the bed is nicknamed "the burial mound." There is another strategy that could be employed as you have a disability and access is very important. Roger does a fine job describing a raised bed that goes from ground level, but please also consider a deep planting box that is up on legs or masonary columns. With the availibility of lightweight expanded stone aggregates and a properly designed structure, you can gain access from all four sides. There are several books that address the subject of gardening disabled and I would be willing to bet that any competant carpenter could assemble an adequate structure. I would imagine that a bed 9 to 12 inches deep would prove adequate for the cultivation of your bulbs. I have seen these types of planters at progressive nursing homes and rehab facilities used for growing vegetables and ornamental flowers and would imagine that with a little thought they could be modified for a bulb collection. I would test the design with a small bed to start. Mark Mazer Hertford, North Carolina Zone 7b-8