Creating a garden for all to enjoy can be challenging, so don’t jump in without planning and assessing what is possible within your budget. Everyone’s needs are different, and it’s pretty likely you cant cater for absolutely everything. Still, your priority is to consider who in your family and friends you want your garden to work for.
Suggestions to help you create a garden that all your family and friends can enjoy
Safe and easy access
Access needs are one of the biggest drivers for changes in gardens. Making the garden safely accessible for the young, elderly or disabled may mean taking steps and putting in slopes, widening and lessening the depth out of any steps, or adding a handrail at a suitable height. If you can’t change your entire garden, try to create some areas that are accessible for everyone to enjoy together.
Once you plan for any level changes in the garden, look at the type of materials you want for the walkways. If you need wheelchair access, a surface that won’t cause wheels to get stuck or be damaged is essential. If you have younger or older family members, it’s important to consider how slippery walkways could become throughout the year. In fact, this is a good idea, whatever your age!
Children
Whether it’s your children or grandchildren, getting them into the garden is a great way to keep them occupied and is excellent for their health and well-being. You may have the luxury of space and have room to tuck in a great child-friendly play area without compromising the look and feel of your garden. If not, whether through space or personal preference, then consider how you can cater for children within the rest of the garden. Raised beds for growing fruits and vegetables is a great way to get children involved, teaching them and getting fresh food that they are more likely to eat if they have been part of growing it.
Eating and entertaining
No matter your age or physical ability, enjoying food and good company outside in a garden must for most people. Attractive, long-lasting maintenance-free garden furniture is essential to make outside dining a pleasure so people can sit safely and comfortably. Lazy Susan’s metal garden tables are the perfect addition to your outdoor dining and relaxing areas, with options available for any number of guests to dine or relax in style.
You can squeeze in a pizza oven, bbq or smoker to even the smallest of gardens, so why not add a way to create a meal or snack to enjoy while you spend time in your garden? If you have lots of space, a full outdoor kitchen is a great way to entertain without having a crowd in your home.
Relaxing
Whether you want to have a morning coffee, an afternoon tea, or sit relaxing whilst watching children play or chatting with your friends, a great range of outdoor soft furnishings can make life more comfortable. Outdoor fabric bean bags and rugs that are weatherproofed can be left outside. You can add a sun lounger, cushions and throws as a great way to make life even more comfortable and add a splash of colour.
Using your garden all year round
A patio or floor-standing gas heater can bring warming comfort on a chilly day or evening. You could also consider adding a fire pit to provide an inviting environment for all at any time of the year. A covered area using a canopy or pergola can add to the time you can spend outside.
Flowers and greenery
The type of flowers and shrubs you use should consider your ability and the time available to care for them. Whether you choose raised borders, a few simple pots and tubs or even some of the great fake plants and grass available, you need a garden that you or your gardener can manage to keep it looking welcoming all year. The amount of time or water you have available for watering your live plants should be a driver of the type of flowers and greenery you use. Also, tailor the height of any planting to your physical ability to manage the plant’s ongoing needs.
A garden should be a place you enjoy spending time. That means making it accessible to those you love and suited to how you want to use it. Ensure you spend plenty of time thinking about the way you want to be able to use your garden and spend time visiting garden centres and shows to get inspiration. No one size fits all, so experiment and enjoy the process of making your garden great.
