The Cheerful Garden

This project involved transforming a sloping rear garden with two outbuildings into a fully accessible outdoor space for a young girl who uses a wheelchair, along with her two sisters and family. The design features a swings area, a racetrack, an insulated garden room, storage, an insulated classroom and therapy space, and a covered outdoor area, creating a fun and functional extension of the home.

Having a usable and enjoyable garden becomes even more important when mobility is difficult. The goal for this project was clear, transform an underused garden into a vibrant, inclusive space where the entire family could gather daily. As the family shared once the project was complete, “We’ve spent more time in our garden over the past month than we have in years.”

The concept centered around a loop of ramps that connects the various zones, enabling smooth movement across the garden. This loop also formed the foundation for a track race area where the girls could enjoy their bikes and quads together. The gently sloping ramps are not only beneficial for the young wheelchair user but also enable elderly family members to walk around the garden, a previously impossible feat.

At the heart of the garden lies the swings area, designed with two types of swings—standard and nest basket—so all three girls can enjoy swinging together. Adjacent to the nest swing, two hoist sockets provide the option for a mobile hoist to assist with transfers when needed. The flooring in this area is a wet-pour rubber surface, offering a soft yet durable material in case of falls.

The design incorporates brick retaining walls, timber sleepers, paving, and decking to add warmth and texture to the space. This is complemented by flower beds, bespoke water feature, plastic animals and color-changing lighting, creating an inviting, dynamic environment that enhances the garden’s charm and functionality.