This Newbuild house had the usual sort of look to its garden – a blank canvas. Our Clients were keen to capitalise on the evening summer sun and incorporate a small patio area. There was also a bunny to be catered for and if a larger area for him to run in could be created with out him being able to get access to the house all the better. Planting was based on a profusion of colour and growth all summer long.

The Hollows Care Home in Llanharan had a tired run down garden, which was more an after thought as to the residents needs. New residents though were keen to get out doors and the DRIVE charity was keen to make sure this happened in an engaging way whilst also being safe and meeting modern regulations.

A general makeover was the first order of business with all wood fencing and decking pressure washed and treated, leaves cleared, shade creating trees felled, rubbish removed and so on.

A sensory garden was going to be the highlight with less emphasis on the visual due to the nature of the care home and the residents needs. Strong smells and sounds as well as ‘touchable’ plants was to be the order of the day. A raised pond was to be built with a splashing fountain and bright orange goldfish.

Painting took on many different forms from the mundane but highly necessary repainting of all fences, sheds, out houses and decking.

To the surreal – One of the new residents was very keen on ‘Bill and Ben the Flower Pot Men’. Here we hired an artist to create a image for him on the walls of the raised pond. If you look closely you will see that the Image is made up of terracotta pots cut in half and glued to the wall, faces hands and feet are then painted on to give a 3D effect. Even their green collars are made up of Plastic plants.

The Sensory garden was planted out with a range of different plants bring different types of sensations to its users. Lavenders, Climbing Jasmine, Curry plants and a herb garden provide smells galore, grasses including pampus provide noise and touch and all border a path leading up to the central raised pond with its fountain, plants and fish.

A sensory garden was going to be the highlight with less emphasis on the visual due to the nature of the care home and the residents needs. Strong smells and sounds as well as ‘touchable’ plants was to be the order of the day. A raised pond was to be built with a splashing fountain and bright orange goldfish.