Glorious open spaces, gardens are fascinating places. Inclusive and inviting, the garden most importantly welcomes anybody and anyone, therefore ease and accessibility are two crucial factors when it comes to design. With age and physical ability in mind, we understand that the garden can become an overwhelming space. Mobility scooters and wheelchairs can become tricky to manoeuvre and a previously easy trip to the garden, may now have turned into a daunting obstacle course. But no disability should prevent you from accessing the areas you love.
This is where garden design transports your troubles away. With a nifty and sustainable composition tailored specifically to your every need and taste, accessible garden design re-invents your outdoor areas into a welcoming place for everyone to enjoy. No matter your age or ability, the garden should be an inclusive place for all. Come with us, and let’s explore how a touch of innovative garden design can integrate ease and accessibility, without disrupting your garden’s natural aesthetic.
Ramp up your entrance
Has limited wheelchair access prevented you from entering the garden in the past? Well, let’s squish this issue with one simple solution. Have you ever considered installing a garden ramp?
Softly sloping down over an assortment of levels, garden ramps are an excellent feature to install within the garden. Significantly increasing accessibility, ramps allow for eased wheelchair and mobility use, permitting anyone of any age or physical ability to experience the beauty of the outdoors. Gently descending ramps are also another fabulous way of adding visual interest to your outdoor vista. Efficiently crafted to slot within your garden’s existing structure, ramps cause little disruption to your garden scene whilst effortlessly adapting to your garden’s natural anatomy.
Smooth garden pathways
The material chosen to construct a garden pathway is a component that can be easily overlooked. However, pathway materials play a vital role when curating an accessible garden design. To ensure mobility vehicles can safely glide around the garden, the installation of paving slabs are a great alternative from gravel (which can be a rather tricky material to move across). With increased stability and non-slip qualities, paving is both easier to move over but is also a sustainable material to maintain.
Now, we understand that a long walk around the garden can become a rather tiring experience. Therefore, why not enjoy a break to catch your breath whilst seated on a comfy garden bench? Settle in a scattered arrangement of charming seating spots and immerse yourself within the peaceful sound of the great outdoors.
Handrails – a practical yet stylish accessory
Acting as a guide for stability and safety, handrails are beneficial tools that considerably lessen the struggles of day-to-day movement. Therefore, if you require an extra helping hand, then why not disperse a selection of beautifully crafted handrails throughout your garden’s trail? Easily disguised, there is always the option for your handrails to be blended seamlessly within your garden’s natural colour scheme.
Searching to add a more artistic touch? Handrails can make for gorgeously decorative garden pieces. Designed with mesmerising arches and crafted from the finest materials, a previously simple handrail can become transformed into a glorious garden centrepiece.
Raise your beds!
If you’re a keen gardener, physical ability should never prevent you from carrying out your passion. Whether you’re wheelchair bound or have problems bending down, raised beds will be the greatest answer to your gardening prayers. Primed to be designed bespoke to any height required, raised beds can be situated and slotted within a range of convenient spaces. A simple stepping stone for making every gardening experience feel like a breeze.
Manageable water features
Feel your anxieties drain away as you listen to the gentle trickle of a glimmering water feature. Low maintenance and beautifully enticing, water features are fabulous facets that attract waves of wildlife. Placed at a lower level, water fountains can become wheelchair friendly attractions, allowing every garden visitor to feel at one with nature.
Ever tried gardening upward?
Is your garden beginning to feel cluttered and lacking space? As well as looking rather unattractive, disorderly gardens most importantly can become a major safety hazard. With slippery surfaces and scattered objects increasing the chances of nasty trips and falls, it’s essential that your garden provides plenty of room, allowing any individual to safely manoeuvre through. This is where vertical gardening can become a valuable tool.
Handpick a selection of decorative trellis and train a variety of fragrant climbers such as clematis, jasmine or even a gorgeous grapevine. Visibly increasing the size of your garden, climbers allow for limited mess whilst also framing a breathtaking floral scene. For a less traditional alternative, why not explore the possibility of a living wall? Filled with a mixture of flourishing ferns or succulents, this textured creation enhances both visual interest whilst promoting a polished garden look.
Looking to transform your garden into a more accessible space? We’d love to hear your thoughts! Get in touch to discover how we use garden design to bring your plans into fruition.
