By Jean Larson, manager of the Nature-Based Therapeutic Services Program at the Arboretum
It is possible to welcome everyone to the garden, by making it accessible, designing for a rich sensory experience, and increasing a connection with one another. It’s not only possible, it’s crucial. Greater inclusion and exposure to nature's interconnecting system:
- Strengthens the connections between plants and people.
- Fosters an appreciation of the natural world.
As a result, people's attitudes will grow and a greater value will be placed on each other and the nonhuman world around them.
The Sensory Garden at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum was designed with accessibility in mind. Its paths are wide enough to navigate if using a wheelchair and it has raised beds that put plants at the right height for someone seated. Plants in the Sensory Garden are selected to appeal to all five senses, with an emphasis on texture, scent and color.
Want to create your own accessible space? Here are three concepts to consider:
To Start: Understand people and the physical setting for the garden.
To begin creating a garden for all, the evidence suggests that a purpose-driven garden is the first step in fostering social connection and support. To know the purpose of your garden, you need to ask the members of the intended space what they envision. The consensus will set the direction for the garden.
To Design: Understand how people fit into and will use the garden.
Once you have the community involved in the vision and purpose of the garden, you will need to consider how best to design it. Using the evidence-informed framework of biophilic design you can create a healthy habitat for people and plants.
To Build: Understand the methods for constructing the garden.
Principles of biophilic design organize the plants and hardscape elements, but what else is necessary to begin building the garden? True inclusion happens when an actual garden bed is made physically accessible for all people. Consider ways to raise the garden up (raised beds) to meet people at their level of ability - rather than their inability.
Final Advice
Making a garden physically accessible, in reality, opens up opportunities for social interaction and participation. By addressing the social and physical barriers, the garden can enhance the experiences for everyone.