I”m always on the lookout for gardens designed for the elderly, ailing or dementia-bound.
I recently found an example that was on display at the 2008 Chelsea Flower Show in London. Created by Cleve West, the garden was sponsored by Bupa, a large U.K. health provider that runs nursing homes.
The design was created for a small courtyard that might be seen in many urban or suburban nursing homes. Space is minimal, so the designer creatively found ways to cram as many flowering trees and bushes into the space as possible. A winding 8-pattern leads patients around the garden; there are plenty of benches available for those who need to rest their legs as they enjoy a safe fountain. Bamboo, allium, tulips are installed at varying heights to bring more depth and visual excitement.
An invite: please send me any examples of healing gardens you have seen at care facilities or caregiver homes! This burgeoning movement of healing horticulture needs to be recognized and celebrated.
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Found your email from last month! Thanks for visiting my blog and mentioning me on yours. My last post mentions the wheelchair-accessible garden I am making for my mother. I didn’t get a picture of it up yet, but I hope to document this over the year as I get further along.
Baby