A new magazine ‘Access 4 Blues’ showcases Mark in the first ever issue
The new magazine of Manchester City Disabled Supporters Association, Access 4 Blues, has just been published showcasing Mark’s work, as well as his passion for showing how the word ‘ability’ in disability can be used in a positive way.
2018-02-03 - Access 4 Blues Winter 2018Designing gardens for people with limited mobility and varying levels of ability, both physically and mentally can sometimes be a challenge. Everyone’s ability is different. It is therefore so important to get the design of a garden or outdoor space right from the start. This involves talking with the Client and, without being too personal, getting to know what they can and cannot do.
As a landscape and garden designer I need to get inside the Client’s head and understand what it is they require, for how long, choices of materials, plant selection, and then ensuring that the project runs to schedule, on time, and within budget.
I design gardens and outdoor spaces for private Clients, charities, organisations, hospitals, companies and local government across the UK. There is a real fun element to every project, as not one site is the same, and not one Client is the same. Everyday there is something new, either to learn or pass on.
Gardens and gardening are essential to our physical and mental wellbeing. The outdoors has a calming effect on our bodies and our innate need for greenery and fresh air is known as biophilia or the biophilic effect. Just 10 minutes a day in a garden can reduce blood pressure, slow down our breathing, relax our muscles or stimulate them when working in the garden.
I am also delighted with my new role as a BBC TV presenter on Gardeners’ World and for the RHS Flower Shows. I love writing and sharing ideas with people. I think it is important to give something back too, which is why I am an Ambassador for 3 charities, Greenfingers, Groundwork and Thrive. I have also just become Patron for Core Landscapes, a charity that transforms unused urban spaces into temporary gardens for the community to use and share.
Mark Lane Designs is an award-winning landscape and garden design practice established by landscape and garden designer Mark Lane who is also a published gardening and garden writer, speaker and BBC TV presenter. Mark is the first landscape designer in the UK and the first BBC gardening presenter in a wheelchair.
Mark Lane Designs collaborates closely with architects, designers, artists, sculptors and craftsmen on a wide range of projects to provide an individual, friendly and professional service offering high-quality, bespoke garden, planting and landscape design for small private or large-scale public projects, an intimate little garden or a landmark outdoor facility. However large or small your project, through a blend of creativity, planning and attention to detail Mark Lane Designs can take care of your plans and aspirations.
Mark Lane Designs work closely with you at every stage from initial consultation and planning through to the final construction, to create a garden or landscape that is a direct response to the architecture, topography and character of the landscape – a sense of place and space. Designs are functional, in-keeping with the surrounding environment, the wild space and its natural flora and fauna.
Mark Lane Designs also has knowledge of and expertise for fully accessible gardens, whether for a private dwelling or for a public building, such as hospitals, disability charities, specialist units or rehabilitation centres.
A multitude of styles can be reflected from cottage garden, naturalistic, prairie, woodland, orchard, modern, urban, contemporary, green roof, seaside, formal, water garden, sustainable, sensory, green wall, communal, therapeutic, accessible, Japanese, English, French, Italian, tropical, desert, coastal… and many more; while being sensitive and sympathetic to the inherent nature of the site.
Mark Lane Designs prides itself on in-depth plant knowledge, attention to detail and in high-quality workmanship.