Life changing for wheelchair user
Mary's clients had recently moved into a bungalow in Durham which had been adapted for wheelchair use. Mrs Tomkinson was a wheelchair user and she wished to retain a normal lifestyle.
Alterations to the inside of the property were now complete and Mary's clients' thoughts turned to the garden. The garden occupied a sloping site which faced north at the back and presented serious challenges. It was dark and overgrown and provided little space outside. Of the four doors leading from the bungalow, only one was accessible in a wheelchair. Mary's clients wanted to have a garden accessible from all doorways so that the garden could be used and enjoyed as easily as the house. The family and frequent guests all wanted equal access to the garden.
- To raise external surface levels to the height of the internal floors.
- To create an easily maintained garden.
- Entertaining space for friends and family was important.
- Smooth surfaces for the wheelchair user were essential.
- Mary's clients included one keen gardener.
- An external washing line at wheelchair height was essential.
- Mary's clients wanted to include plants they had brought with them from their previous home.
- Careful choice of plants within the raised beds ensured that the planting schemes were low maintenance.
- Entertaining space was increased dramatically in the new garden.
- Small grained resin bonded aggregate was used to create a smooth wheelchair friendly surface. "Maine" decking, made from recycled plastic and dyed woodchip waste, has created a smooth and easily maintained surface.
- Raised beds were created from oak sleepers to a suitable height for gardening by Mary's client.
- Wall mounted extendable washing lines were installed.
- The colourful low maintenance planting scheme incorporated all the plants belonging to the clients.
"It is so exciting being able to access all exits and entrances.
My life has been changed radically. I had not realised how much difference this project would make to my quality of life.
I am so pleased that I can get myself outside, read a book and get myself back in the house without having to rely on the help of a carer. Thank you so much Mary."
Call Mary on 01892 667708 for a no-obligation chat
or email mary@msgd.co.uk.
