Disability Friendly Gardens

Gardening is an activity which promotes health and well being. It can provide exercise to increase flexibility, strength and stamina, vitamin D via exposure to sunlight and it can also give a psychological boost as people can get closer to nature, creating something beautiful.
People with a disability may find it more difficult to enjoy their gardens and have fewer opportunities to enjoy the benefits of their outdoor space. Well thought out garden design can make all the difference, enabling everyone, no matter what their disability to get the most out of their garden.
Raised beds can be invaluable for people who have problems bending, or who may need to work from a seated position.Different materials can be used in the construction of raised beds, including brick, stone, and railway sleepers. Flowers, shrubs, herbs and vegetables can be planted in them and the edgings can be used as a base for small containers for seasonal planting of bulbs and bedding plants.
Good paving can make it easier for people to move around their gardens, particularly those who use wheelchairs or walking aids. Slopes can be levelled and and steps ramped. It's possible to create interesting effects using different paving options, whilst minimising maintenance and providing a safe surface for somebody with poor mobility.
Contrasting edging to paving can help people with visual impairments to find their way safely around their gardens. The use of scented foliage planting such as herbs and lavender can also add extra dimension for people with limited vision, whilst the avoidance of plants with thorns will reduce the risk of injury. Sound can also be used to enhance enjoyment of the garden. Grasses and bamboos make a lovely sound with the slightest breeze and a water feature can add the relaxing sound of running water.
So, by thinking about paving options, raised beds, water features and planting it is possible to create a garden which is safe, manageable and easy to maintain for someone with a disability.
Rowan Tree Garden Design can help you to enjoy your garden, whatever your difficulties are.

Making The Most of your Courtyard Garden

Many people in towns and cities don't have the benefit of large gardens, however, there are still many ways that you can make the most of your space in an enclosed courtyard garden.
Natural stone or concrete paving can be cut and laid so that the lines add width to a narrow space. Alternatively, you could choose a spiral or geometrical design as a focal point.
Decking creates clean, Scandinavian style lines, while cobbles can give a rustic, old fashioned feel to your courtyard. If you want a Mediterranean atmosphere, you may want to consider ceramic tiling.
Block paving gives a neat, uniform effect and can also be laid in many different ways to suit your taste.
A lower cost option would be gravel which has the added advantage of deterring burglars due to it's "crunch" factor.
It is possible to combine different materials, although simplicity will open up a small space more.
Edging will provide definition and detail. You may choose cobbles, sleepers, bricks or tailor made edging.
It's important to make the most of the walls in your courtyard garden. Wall mounted planters add interest, particularly when planted with trailing plants such as Aurelia and Lobelia. Climbing plants such as Honeysuckle and Clematis will thrive in suitable containers and will climb up trellis attached to a sunny wall. Ivy softens the effect of brick walls and it too grows well in containers.
It is also possible to buy wrought iron friezes and wall art to attach to the courtyard walls, breaking up expanses of brick.
For your planting, you could have some raised beds. It's possible to use reclaimed bricks so that the beds blend in with your walls, which again gives the illusion of more space.
Containers are available in many styles, sizes and price brackets. In a small space it's usually most effective to keep to a single theme for planters, for example, terracotta in different shapes and sizes.
Many plants will thrive in containers and it is possible to have year round interest with grasses, Bay, Holly, Rosemary, Box, Flame of the Forest and Hebe. Colour can be added with spring bulbs and summer bedding plants such as violas and geranium and winter bedding plants such as pansies and primula.
To get the best use of your courtyard garden you need somewhere to sit and enjoy your outdoor space. Most ranges of garden furniture include a "tea for two" table and chair set which will fit into the smallest garden. It's also possible to buy small garden benches which work well in long narrow spaces.
Garden lighting can be very effective in an enclosed garden. This can be as simple as tea lights in jam jars, solar powered lights or more elaborate electrical systems.
If you want to make the most of your space, Rowan Tree Garden Design can make your back yard into a beautiful courtyard garden.

Make The Most of Your Space

Would you like to create distinct areas in your garden that make the most of even the smallest of space?
Gardens are getting smaller, yet we ask them to fulfil more functions than ever - playroom, dining room, storeroom and even kitchen.
As we can't all be lucky enough to have a large garden, it's good to know how to divide your space without feeling too boxed in.
One trick is to ensure you still see the full extent of your garden by using semi-transparent screening. Trellis is perfect for this kind of subtle division - there is a huge variety of patterns and shapes to choose from and flowering climbers such as Jasmine and Clematis look stunning during the summer months.
The same effect can be achieved using sturdier materials too. An alcoved brick or rendered block wall forms a lattice structure that still allows the light to get through. For evening entertaining and parties the gaps in the wall can be filled with candles to create ambiance.
Perhaps rather than subtle division, you simply want to hide your compost heap or keep the kids toys tidy and out of the way? For these kind of jobs you will need some solid barriers. A log wall is a good option for this as it will still give the coverage of a brick wall but is a cheaper and more flexible option - you can change the height easily or even remove the wall altogether if you fancy a change.
For smaller budgets, the best option for dividing your space is plants. You can use low, wide sections of box, a lavender hedge creating beautiful summer colour or barriers of raspberry canes which will also supply an abundance of fruit. Alternatively, you could simply choose your favourite pots and planters and fill with your favourite plants.

Once your space is divided, you can then go on to create your different areas. Perhaps a covered patio area to draw the eye outwards, thus giving the illusion of space. Your patio can the be covered with a retractable canvas canopy or trellis ceiling to bring the inside out!

For more information take a look at www.rowantreegardens.co.uk