Sensory Garden for Charlie Gard Foundation Client, Surrey, UK
Amazon forest-inspired Sensory Garden for a young person living with Mitochondrial/Metabolic disorder
Every now and then a special garden project comes along, and this is one of them. The Client is a young girl who uses a wheelchair but would like to go outside more regularly, sit comfortably in a swing, play in a den or playhouse and spend time drawing and painting. She wants an Amazon forest-inspired garden, with lots of natural light, as well as good lighting so that she can enjoy the space in the evening. Sand and water play will add to the sensory experience, why a mixture of hot and cold coloured flowering plants will help revive and relax the body and mind. As the Client uses a wheelchair, a pathway will lead her through her new garden, into different areas. One area for relaxation, another for play, while the den becomes a hub for artistic creation. The pathway will be non-slip, anti glare and will allow water to pass through without pooling. An edging stone around the pathway will ensure that the wheelchair will not end up in the borders. Sensory gardens are essential for everyone. Soft ornamental grasses will add movement and sound, while bamboos will screen the garden from neighbouring plots. A purpose-built swing with sides and a back will allow the Client to sway back and forth in comfort. This is also a garden to explore in, so hidden corners will conceal garden features. All planting will be wildlife friendly.
Gardens need to be accessible for all. Play equipment at the Client’s school is inaccessible so this will become a haven for mind, body and soul.
Other examples of sensory gardens can be found in our Private Portfolio and our Institutional Portfolio