When looking at home adaptations, many people consider core needs, such as bathroom conversions, or ramps to help with steps, but for those with a love of their garden, often a priority is how to turn this treasured space into a fully accessible location. At John Ford Group, we work with our clients to ensure that gardens are not overlooked when undertaking essential home improvements – and we make sure their beauty isn’t sacrificed for the ‘greater good’ of ramps and general accessibility.

To learn more about the considerations when adapting your garden for accessibility for the elderly and disabled, read on!

Why Adapt the Garden?

If not given any attention regarding accessibility, a garden can quickly become a hazard and a burden for those with mobility needs. It doesn’t take too much imagination to consider how slopes and uneven ground can contribute to a fall, especially when you add in rain as a factor (and let’s be honest, in this country, we always have to add rain as a factor!). Falling sideways into a bush may make for an amusing scene in a sitcom, but it’s not quite as much a laughing matter in real life.

With proper planning and some well-considered changes, it is possible to limit the dangers of the garden, provide access to areas that may have become out of bounds, and return the garden to that enjoyable and relaxing space it has always been.

The Top Five Things to Consider for an Accessible Garden

Here at John Ford Group, we work with occupational therapists and the client directly to listen to your aims for your outside spaces and make sure they are adapted perfectly – and we’ve learned a lot along the way!

1 – Paths

The first thing to look at is the nature of the pathways to get around the garden – and here there are two main factors: size and material.

Often pathways do have to be widened; this is to make sure a wheelchair can move easily if needed, or two people can walk side-by-side. 1.2m is the minimum width here, though if more can be achieved, it’s usually worth doing so.

Changing the surface material is also key in many cases. Wooden decking, for example, does look beautiful but can get extremely slippy in the rain, and gravel makes wheelchair access all but impossible. We recommend concrete or tarmac as a durable and reliable path that’s also cost-effective, though some rough-surface flagstones also provide a good solution.

A third consideration is handrails, which provide extra stability along paths and make walking less of a worry.

2 – Sloping Sections

Ramps are a must in any garden that’s not uniformly flat – and let’s face it, that’s most gardens! In some cases, it’s even a good idea to consider a little landscaping to ease the slope angles in places.

Ramps can be part of a permanent concrete path, or can be made from modular ramping sections that offer a professional grip that’s quick to install. Again – handrails are vital here.

Steps may need to be replaced or enhanced with a ramped section if large enough. In some cases, it’s possible to install an external stairlift – essentially a waterproof version of an inside stairlift. 

3 – Benches and Seating

Being able to stop and sit is a key part of making the garden an enjoyable and accessible space. Often a simple bench placed at a thoughtful location can suddenly revitalise a garden that’s felt too difficult for a while.

Investing in a good solid seat is important, as it needs to be sturdy and low-maintenance. Wood and metal, such as stainless steel, are best here. Plastic seating, while cheaper, tends to provide a less reliable and stable seat that can even become a hazard itself if too lightweight – no one wants to go chasing a plastic chair around in the wind!

4 – Gardening

Of course, part of having access to the garden is about the natural environment itself. Gardening provides an enjoyable pastime as well as providing the views and relaxing atmosphere that we’re seeking.

Mobility needs can limit the amount of gardening that can be done, but there are plenty of ways to make it easier:

• Cutting back trees and hedges – As part of the initial landscaping, it’s important to prune and cut back any overgrowing trees and hedges, especially those that may provide a hazard or obstruction. Some hedges that require considerable maintenance may need to be replaced with fencing or slower-growing variants.
• Robot lawn mowers – An amazing innovation of recent years is the robot lawn mower, taking the strain out of keeping the lawn tidy. These are a true marvel and a worthwhile investment if you have a lot of lawn space, however, they don’t function on sloping lawns.
• Raised beds – A raised flower bed or vegetable patch will mean you can continue planting and taking care of your garden without getting down on your hands and needs. There are a range of designs to accommodate different mobility needs, including those made for easy wheelchair access. A raised bed will need considerable space around it and can mean a significant change to the garden arrangement, but could mitigate many of the issues of accessibility to offer the ongoing pleasure of being able to work directly with your plants.
• Low maintenance gardening – Converting existing flower beds to areas that are easier to look after is another aspect to consider. Using membranes to prevent weeds, or replacing large bedded areas with potted plants can help you continue your gardening passion.
• Watering systems – Instead of walking around the garden with a watering can, automatic hose systems can be installed to make watering worries a thing of the past. Also, consider the design of the garden to bring the plants that need the most watering care closer to the home and together so that watering trips are less strenuous.
• Tools – There are a range of tools designed to help those with mobility issues with gardening. Lightweight tools with easy grips can make all the difference, and tool trolleys can give you a way to move around with your tools without having to carry heavy items on your person.
• A gardener – Sometimes, however, you may want to enlist someone’s support and help. Even if infrequent, a gardener’s services will help you keep on top of your garden and prevent it from becoming overgrown and upsetting.

5 – Lighting

Gardens aren’t just for the daytime! You should be able to enjoy your outdoor space at any time, and evenings are often the most delightful time in the garden. Lighting plays a key part here, especially on patio areas that are more likely to be used as the sun sets. Make sure your garden is well-lit to both provide safety and security and enhance the look and atmosphere during darker times.

There’s a great range of fantastic and cost-effective garden lighting, from solar-powered string lights that can provide delightful and colourful touches, to bright stake lights or strip lights to safely illuminate paths at night.

Accessible Gardens with John Ford Group

At John Ford Group, we provide a professional service for home adaptations that holds your needs at its core. We work with occupational therapists to ensure that every consideration is covered and have the experience you need to help you make informed choices every step of the way.

For more information, contact John Ford Group today.