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Many things need to be taken into careful consideration wit a special needs garden.
Not only do we need to consider all the design goals sensitively,
but care should be exercised in and given to helping produce a design in such a way as to stimulate all the senses.
Firstly: pathways need to flow smoothly and not be obstructed in any way.
Extra interest can be achieved in pathways by planting low ground covers in between the pavers.
A smooth pathway will be selected first as to not obstruct the walkway.
The remainder of the tiles are then filled in with a compost rich growing medium (like potting soil)
to nourish and hold the ground cover.
Many people with special needs often spend a lot of time looking down at the ground to see where they are going.
Pretty ground covers and other short plants (like Viola adorata for example) will add interest and be visually pleasing.
Violas have a calming and relaxing effect on the nervous system and also have domestic, cosmetic and culinary uses.
Alternatively, Thyme, mentha or another ground cover of your choice may be planted in between the tiles or pavers.
Personal taste is what matters.
The smell of leaves being crushed as you walk on them and the fragrances of the leaves and flowers,
especially the lavenders, lemon verbena and others, uplift your moods and senses.
The taste of fresh strawberries cultivated from the grow boxes is so delicious.
It is also fulfilling to be able to grow your own fruit in a specially designed flower/grow box.
The sounds of birds singing and water from the fountains deadens the noise of the traffic.
The water makes its own kind of music. Plants that encourage birds and butterflies blend in well together.
This scene creates a sense of well-being, peace, serenity and love for nature in this garden.
The different textures in the leaves and flowers give hands a variety of tactile sensations.
This is especially beneficial for the blind.
The raised flower beds are like huge containers. They are convenient.
No stooping is required and they are beneficial for our special gardeners.
In order to plant and grow healthy plants, some steps need to be taken into consideration when you build your flower boxes:
- Your flower boxes will be built into their desired places permanently. Care should be given in planning where the boxes should go.
- Permanent planting can consist of combinations of evergreen shrubs, deciduous shrubs, trees, perennial plants, bulbs, corms, tubers, herbaceous plants, annuals and topiary. Permanent plantings are planted directly into the container. If you intend changing your bed in winter or summer, its a good idea to plant in pot liners. Lifting the liners during seasonal change is quick and easy.
Before planting up your “flower box” ensure that:
- It is clean and structurally sound. Cracks will cause the box to break under the strain of all the soil, frost and plantings.
- Make sure that there are a few drainage holes in the “box,” as plants hate “wet feet.”
- Crock the box by placing a layer of broken pots over the drainage holes. After that spread a layer of gravel over the crocks, followed by a layer of leaf mould peat.
- Fill your flower box with rich organic compost mixed with a good potting soil medium. A handful of bonemeal could also be added per square metre.
- Water your plants well and let them drain before planting them in the box.
- Make sure that the plant is planted in the same level that it is planted in the pot; otherwise the roots may be exposed. Alternatively they may be planted too deep and suffocate.
- Finally, position the plants according to your design. Water thoroughly and add a 4cm thick bark chip mulch.
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Your final plant selection must be compatible with your climate.
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Water lovers' Semi Formal Garden Design: Aquarious.
Only $99.00
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