The Garden for All – Accessible Universal Garden Design

My first encounter with the need for  a “universal garden” was many years ago. My brother Mat was in a group home that specialized in traumatic brain injury. They had a lovely yard and one of the residents loved to garden. He was permanently bound to his wheelchair, and we struggled to devise some ways to set up pots and planters that would give him access to his gardening hobby and joy.

Today, the reality of a “universal garden” is available to all.

“Universal Design is a global movement of inclusive design practice,” according to the Center for Universal Design at North Carolina State University. Its main intent is to simplify life for everyone by making environments more usable by as many people as possible, and for little or no extra cost. Universal Design is an integral part of the Conscious Design concept in uplifting the quality of life.

All people can enjoy gardening! An Accessible garden had considerations of all levels of mobility and understand the considerations of age, safety and sensory abilities. The garden will have pathways, work surfaces, rest areas, and beds.

Creating Gardens for All

To achieve this, there are seven core principles.

1. Equitable Use
In the accessible garden plan, no one is placed into a situation of struggle. The garden supports all with seating, access to planting area, places to put tools, and more.

2. Flexibility in Use
By utilizing a tiered bed system, we can enable access to all. A child might stand at the same height as someone in a wheelchair. A tiered bed with a nearby seat or bench gives an older person a place to rest during their garden visit or garden work.

3. Simple, Intuitive Use
Communication for all is key. The garden design and information should be able to reach all  visitors. Using universal signage, including braille, rather than one language makes the garden welcoming and friendly.

4. Perceptible Information
Sound and textures can inform and prepare garden visitors for a change in the pathway or terrain. Windchimes can signal a barrier for people with partial or no sight abilities.

5. Tolerance for Error
“Gardens that focus on accessibility allow room for user or gardener error. For instance, a pathway with large curbs on either side gives gardeners a good sense of where to go, allowing someone with a wheelchair or cane the ability to explore without fear of falling into a raised garden bed or compost pile.”

6. Low Physical Effort
The ability to move into and through the garden with ease is what makes the garden experience such a gift.  This is accomplished with widened pathway designs, automatic doors, and all features that minimize mobility struggles.

7. Size and Space for Approach and Use
The garden welcomes all people, regardless of the mobility, size or posture. Moving from plant to plant, and navigating the garden without difficulty is the goal.

Ways to Enhance and Create a Garden for All

Here are some easy tips to make your garden universal:

Pathways
Creating a pathway that is about 5 feet wide. Use textures that don’t cause tripping and stumbling. Smooth surfaces are easier for those using walkers, crutches, canes and wheelchairs. Install a ramp where the land level and terrain changes. Remove obstacles that would inhibit access such as planting a tree in the middle of a path or adding a large pot on the side of a pathway. Fence and block off areas that are not for public use. Avoid placing a gate or fence in the middle of a pathway, unless you can make it one that opens automatically.

Garden Beds
Raised beds come in multiple heights and designs and offer the best choice for accessible gardening. This includes hanging baskets, wood and metal structures and table beds. A planter placed on the ground is also a good option and it can be raised by concrete blocks and various types of platforms. Hanging baskets make wonderful choices for plants that vine and drape. Consider a trellis wall that allows access to various heights.

Creating Gardens for All

Irrigation
Watering is a daily part of garden care. Make sure that hoses do not create a tripping hazard. Hoses can be put into hose holders. Check the height of the water spigot so they are reachable and easily visible. Consider the use of a trolly hose. In a greenhouse, consider a wire system that can suspend the hoses over the plantings to make them easy to use.

Light and Sound – Sensory Cues
Consider the unique tactile qualities of each plant. The wonderful  Lambs’ ears are incredibly soft. Soil types also offer a wonderful example of textures such as clay, silty, and sandy soil types. Encouraging touch is a wonderful way to learn.

Sensory objects are essential to guide and assist those with limited sign and hearing. Bring in some solar lighting for pathways and direction. Wind chimes along pathways placed between the path and soil create a gentle boundary line. Flowers for those with hearing loss offer an array of beautiful colors and scent.

Consider some of these tips when you create your own home garden.

Design a garden for all to enjoy.