The Brief
The Client, a mature lady whose husband was disabled, required a garden that was designed to take into account his mobility needs. For similar reasons, she wanted the garden to be easier to maintain as well to move around for both herself and her husband.
The Site
This long garden slopes down towards the house, dropping 6m from back to front. The beds were large and although tended, needed some changes to make them easier to maintain. The paths and patio especially were a priority to get right since as they were they proved difficult to walk on as slabs were loose and uneven.
The Design
The degree of the slope in the garden was such that steps would be necessary at some points. The existing patio shape was maintained but made level and completely resurfaced and the steps that led down towards the house rebuilt. A side path was relaid to remove a step for wheelchair use. This allows the gentleman to have unassisted access to the garden for the first time. A new path now leads you either to a shaded seating area close to the house, or a new winding path that leads to a secondary upper terrace. This path, although inclined, creates a stable surface to walk on. The beds are reshaped to allow easier access for those maintaining them and were replanted with lower maintenance plants.