Garden Design Ideas - Symmetry in Design

A garden with no underlying structure and design is just a series of random pieces of hard landscaping placed around the available space with no interconnection. It will neither look beautiful or be somewhere you want to spend much time.  A good garden design should make the space feel cohesive and will be somewhere that is pleasant to spend time in as well as looking beautiful.

The garden design process imposes a strong underlying structure using interlocking symmetrical shapes that define and connect the garden areas.  The design holds together, one area flows naturally into the next and there is a sense of movement around the garden that makes maximum use of the available space.  This ensures that all the garden is used because it feels natural and comfortable and navigating between the spaces is safe, interesting and pleasant.

Here’s a very basic example of how symmetrical shapes can be used to create a garden design plan.

Step 1 - choose some geometric shapes and lay them over one another.

Step 2 - add some colour to start defining the pattern. 

 Step 3 - Build on the pattern by adding more shapes.  Here another larger circle has been added under the smaller circle and a large square links the whole design together.

Step 4 - By replacing the colours with textures and patterns that denote stone paving, wood decking, lawn, gravel and planting the pattern is transformed into a plan.

Although no garden would ever this symmetrical, this very simple example illustrates the point that the symmetry of the shapes is key to holding the design together and creating something that looks cohesive.  The design already has recognisable garden elements like lawn, paths, a deck and seating area with some planting, and natural transitions between the areas.

Once the basic layout has been created it can be developed and adjusted to ensure all the areas are the correct sizes for their intended purpose - you may need a larger paved area in order to accommodate a larger table.  You can add a pergola over the path or the deck.  The borders can be raised by adding some retaining walls.

This is one of the techniques that a garden designer uses to ensure a garden scheme works for each different client's requirements and the topography of their plot.

If you'd like me to design something that is perfect for your lifestyle and requirements please get in touch.  You will find all contact details as well as other examples of my work on my Web site.  You can see more of my work on my Facebook page.

Sensory Garden Design for Alzheimers & Dementia Patients

The healing power of gardens is widely acknowledged and providing a sensory/memory garden can really help patients suffering from age-related degenerative disorders.  

Patients with Alzheimers and dementia have very specific needs and a garden needs to be designed that caters very carefully to these requirements.  Alzheimers and dementia sufferers tend to wander and get lost and are easily confused when given too many choices.  Declining mental function causes anxiety and disorientation and in some cases aggressive behavior.  Having access to a garden has been proven to speed up recovery from injury, reduce blood pressure, anxiety, stress, pain and aggression.  

As well as helping reduce the physical symptoms of age-related diseases a garden designed specifically for those with Alzheimers and dementia can help the psychological welfare of patients.  A well designed garden can assist with remembering past experiences and provide subjects for discussion with family and friends.  It can stimulate the brain with refreshing colour, scent and sounds of wildlife. The garden will be a sanctuary, provide space for private reflection, and  allow patients to re-connect with the outside by creating a more normal, familiar environment.

A sensory memory garden for dementia and Alzheimers patients must be safe and easily navigated.  The garden should have only one entrance and exit and be accessible by a level, circular path that allows people to walk around without feeling lost.  There should be covered seating areas as destinations and stopping off points and places for quiet reflection.  

It's important to create shade without dark shadowy areas as these can appear threatening those with age-related degenerative conditions.  Distinctive landmarks like brightly coloured pots, or a summer house, or maybe even a bus stop will help patients orientate themselves in the space, feel safe and reassured.  

 
 Boundaries should be screened so that users feel enclosed and safe as a view of a busy street might be scary and confusing to garden users.   If any residents are more able a vegetable garden or space for keeping chickens can be really beneficial.

 Other features should be included that stimulate memory and conversation and create a feeling familiarity.  These include feeding stations for birds and other wildlife, old telephone boxes or post boxes, and traditional plants like Roses and Lavender.  

The garden should also important to stimulate sensory memory.  A small water feature with a closed water reservoir will give the sound of running water without presenting a safety hazard. 

 Plants should be selected for scent and texture with leaves and flowers that can be touched and picked.  Plants that can be touched should be non-toxic and without sharp spines, or prickles.  Plants should be included that attract birds, insects and other wildlife into the garden. 

  Practical considerations are also important when designing a garden for those with age-related conditions.  All paving should be flat and even so that users with mobility problems can navigate safely – use ramps rather than steps where necessary.  Raised beds make great casual seats and ensure that wheelchair users can see and smell the plants.  

The memory sensory garden should be a rich environment that can be enjoyed throughout the four seasons of the year and needs to be carefully planned to make a person with dementia or Alzheimers feel safe and willing to explore the enclosed world around them.

If you would like help creating a sensory memory garden you can contact me through my Web site.  You can seem more examples of my work on Facebook, Pinterest, and Houzz.