Traditional
Accessible Gardens
A recent survey has revealed how important gardening is to disabled people. Yet while around two thirds of the disabled have an interest in gardens, many find it hard to maintain their outdoor spaces, let alone buy plants or visit garden centres. Chelsea 2007 was a good source of design tips and planting schemes that will help make gardens more accessible for all.
The survey was carried out by a charity called Thrive that aims to show how, why and where people with a disability can benefit from gardening. But how do you make sure that gardens are accessible in the first place? And are there any tricks that can help make a disabled gardener's life easier?
Whether you want to alter your own garden or help friends change theirs, there are plenty of obvious ways that a garden can be adapted - by widening paths, for example, clearly labelling steps or even ramping them with wooden wedges. But the planting patterns and arrangements of beds can also make a difference, such as this giant hanging basket in Sarah Eberle's award-winning show garden 600 Days with Bradstone, at Chelsea 2007.
Of course you don't have to be registered disabled to benefit. With an ageing population, a greater proportion of us are set to become "golden" gardeners or "silver-culturalists". Age might bring wisdom, but it can also bring a stiff back, arthritic joints and poor eyesight. Fortunately, there were plenty of ideas at Chelsea 2007 to help gardeners of all ages and abilities to continue to enjoy their plants.
If moving across soil or uneven ground is a problem you can lay old carpet face-down to create a make-shift path. You can also place seats or benches at convenient spots so tired gardeners can take a break whenever they want.
Large planters are useful too – in fact raising pots off the ground onto steps or on bricks can help too. Pots can also be an easy way to grow vegetables too – if you want to avoid a lot of heavy digging but still want to grow your own they're just the job.
Whether you want to alter your own garden or help friends change theirs, there are plenty of obvious ways that a garden can be adapted - by widening paths, for example, clearly labelling steps or even ramping them with wooden wedges. But the planting patterns and arrangements of beds can also make a difference, such as this giant hanging basket in Sarah Eberle's award-winning show garden 600 Days with Bradstone, at Chelsea 2007.
Of course you don't have to be registered disabled to benefit. With an ageing population, a greater proportion of us are set to become "golden" gardeners or "silver-culturalists". Age might bring wisdom, but it can also bring a stiff back, arthritic joints and poor eyesight. Fortunately, there were plenty of ideas at Chelsea 2007 to help gardeners of all ages and abilities to continue to enjoy their plants.
Move It
If you, your partner or a friend can't get about the garden, you're not likely to enjoy the space, so making sure that it is accessible is a number one priority. Keep paths as wide and clear as possible, and minimise problems with steps by adding wooden ramps or handrails.If moving across soil or uneven ground is a problem you can lay old carpet face-down to create a make-shift path. You can also place seats or benches at convenient spots so tired gardeners can take a break whenever they want.
Love Your Back
If bending is a problem, think about creating raised beds. Sleepers make a cheap and simple way to do this – but ensure you get someone strong to lay them as they're heavy. Alternatively you can go for something more ambitious such as these modern chic raised beds in Paula Ryan's show garden for Amnesty International at Chelsea 2007.Large planters are useful too – in fact raising pots off the ground onto steps or on bricks can help too. Pots can also be an easy way to grow vegetables too – if you want to avoid a lot of heavy digging but still want to grow your own they're just the job.
Treat for the Senses
Even if eyesight or hearing is not as it once was, a garden can still provide a host of stimulation. Choose planting to create strong scents and bright colours that can be enjoyed throughout the summer. The tinkling of water in a fountain can provide soothing sounds, while tactile sculptures such as these gorgeous textured mosaic tiles by Wendy Wilbraham can offer a different sort of experience.Our Programmes
In UKTV Gardens
Ask The Expert
| Celebrities
| Competitions
| Design Inspiration
| Design Your Garden
| Gardening Guides
| Grow Your Own
| Design Your Own
| Gardens News
| Lawns
| Message Boards
| Organic and Wildlife
| Paving and Decking
| Planting Up
| Plant Finder
| Plant of the Month
| Programmes
| Stockist Directory
| Sven’s Diary
| Water Features
