Raised beds are an excellent way to grow plants that may not otherwise thrive in the soil of the open garden. They may be filled with any type of soil and used to overcome the natural environment; light soil in heavy, clay areas, acid soil in alkaline gardens and vice versa. As they also provide well-drained conditions, they are particularly suitable for growing Mediterranean and alpine plants.

Raised beds also have the great advantage that they can be reached from a sitting position, making them invaluable for elderly, disabled or infirm gardeners. Their height can be personalised to the needs of the individual gardener, although it should be ensured that they are narrow enough so that the whole bed is within easy reach.

This form of planting can provide a strong design element in a garden, for example, as a series of interlocking platforms to link the changes in level on a slope, or perhaps combined with other features such as built in barbeques or seating areas. If the beds are free-standing, they can also double as a useful seat - they will need to be about 45 cm (18 in) high, and at least 23 cm (9 in) wide with a curved edge or bull-nosed coping.