This garden was developed for a Housing Association and was created as a Founders' garden to "celebrate the successful completion of the Houses' remodelling project and to be a lasting tribute to all those who have been committed to the Association's aims and objectives".
The area was left undeveloped after building works to extend the Association's accommodation and had numerous access points, including a fire exit which required wheelchair access and was overlooked both at ground and first floor level on three sides. The client wanted access to all areas of the garden, a low maintenance water feature and a bird feeding area. Residents needed a clear view over the garden, so the garden had to remain quite open.
The Design
The design centred round a large block paver circle which connected all paths leading to access points. A bubble fountain at the centre of the circle surrounded by planting provided sound and movement.
Ornamental wooden handrails and panels and a gently sloping patio provided better access for residents in the event of a fire.
Wooden trellis panelling disguised the chlorination unit doors at the rear of the garden, while still allowing access and visibility for the residents.
Planting was suggested for each bed (plants were to be provided from friends' gardens), which included flowering plants which enjoy the sunny shelter of the courtyard such as jasmine, pale yellow santolina, lavender, cream narcissus, deep purple tulips, alchemilla and ceanothus.
