Garden Design Buckinghamshire - Gabion Retaining Walls

Gabions are really useful when you can't dig footings but need to retain soil or create raised beds.  They can be built on compacted ground, or a small bed of compacted MOT Type 1 hard core (scalpings).

 Garden Design - Denham - Buckinghamshire - under construction 

I have designed gardens around four new houses for a property developer on this sloping site in Denham, Buckinghamshire.  The site is surrounded by woodland and the tree roots cannot be disturbed.

  Garden Design - Denham - Buckinghamshire - under construction

 The boundaries of the gardens have been defined using gabion baskets filled with stone to retain the new terraced levels and create separation from the adjoining woodland.  The gabion retaining walls blend well into their surroundings and do not interfere with the tree roots.  This is an aesthetically pleasing way to deal with a practical problem.

Garden Design - Denham - Buckinghamshire - under construction

Gabions are also quick to build and therefore much cheaper than brick or blockwork.  However, they must be built carefully so that they lean back into the slope they are retaining - this is called a batter.  They also need quite a substantial - usually 1m wide - bottom course.  The front of the gabion basket should also be wired into a supporting post behind the gabion at intervals to stop the baskets bowing outwards when filled.

Garden Design - Denham - Buckinghamshire - under construction

You can keep costs to a minimum by using a gabion stone like this one from Miles Stone which is simply tipped into the gabion baskets.  A more polished look can be achieved, like these curved gabion walls with a stacked stone facing in my St Albans, Hertfordshire garden design.  However, these will take longer to construct, require a larger quantity of more expensive fill material and therefore cost more - sometimes almost as much as a brick or blockwork wall.

Garden Design - St Albans - Hertfordshire

If you'd like me to design your perfect garden 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. 

Garden Design Ideas

Here are some dramatic before and after shots of garden design projects I've completed in Berkshire, Surrey & Buckinghamshire over the years.

1. Transformation of a shady family garden in Bracknell, Berkshire

 

Family Garden Design, Bracknell, Berkshire - Before

 Family Garden Design, Bracknell, Berkshire - After

 2.  Creating a Mediterranean style garden with a courtyard in Windsor, Berkshire:

Mediterranean Garden Design, Windsor, Berkshire - Before

 

 Mediterranean Garden Design, Windsor, Berkshire -After

3.  Updating a large, steep family garden in Kenley, Surrey

Large Family Garden Design, Surrey - Before

 Large Family Garden Design, Surrey -After

4. Creating kerb appeal for this front garden in Woking, Surrey

 Front Garden Design, Woking, Surrey - Before

  Front Garden Design, Woking, Surrey -After

5.  A contemporary update for the sloping garden in Gerrards Cross, Buckinghamshire

 Sloping Garden Design, Gerrards Cross, Buckinghamshire - Before

 Sloping Garden Design, Gerrards Cross, Buckinghamshire -After

Each garden I design is unique and designed to a list of requirements from every client.  No two gardens are the same, but all have my own creative input to ensure quality and attention to detail.  If you are looking for a garden which is special - beautiful, unique and tailored for your specific needs and tastes please get in touch.  Contact details are on my Web site, and you can see more of my work there and on my Facebook page, as well as Pinterest, Houzz and Google+.