Ten Steps of Designing a Garden

By Margarette E. Beckwith, ASLA

Frederick Law Olmsted, designer of New York's Central Park, was committed to the idea that social contact and nature were beneficial to the health of the community. The park remains an effective means of reducing stress for New York City dwellers.

Residents of long-term care facilities derive benefit from nature, gardens and courtyards, all of which may be included in new and renovated care facilities. The value of a safe, well designed, accessible garden space for residents, staff and visitors is proving to be effective in raising spirits, reducing stress, providing a setting for social contact and allowing individuals to enjoy nature. Researcher Richard Ulrich at Texas A&M University in College Station has determined that recuperating patients who view nature require less pain medication and recover more quickly than individuals without visual access to the landscape. There is no better antidote to physical or emotional stress than being in or viewing a natural setting or landscape. Environmental psychologists hypothesize that our connection with nature is genetic. Studies indicate we prefer landscapes with bodies of still water and deciduous trees with flowers and fruit.

Installing a garden in a long-term care facility can create a nurturing environment for individuals with severe cognitive impairment; however, planning to add a garden to your facility requires a thoughtful strategy.

Knowing the necessary steps to creating a garden is essential to success. What are the steps to achieving a garden that fits the needs of the residents? What are the roles of the designers and contractors? How much should you expect to pay for a garden? How can funds be raised to pay for the construction? How will the garden be used and how will it be maintained?

Step 1: Predesign Decisions

Images of gardens are seductive; it is easy to imagine an abundance of color, fragrances and garden accessories. But many issues must be considered to meet the needs of a facility. Laying the groundwork and guiding the project through completion requires commitment by key individuals in the organization. Establish a garden committee with representatives from administration, fundraising, resident programming and maintenance.

Also consider the objectives you wish to achieve through the addition of a garden. Who are the intended users? How many are ambulatory and how many need assistance? Are they dealing with dementia or Alzheimer's disease? Will the garden be designed for passive recreation, sitting and relaxing or will programmed activities such as horticulture therapy, exercises or other events take place in the garden? Are raised flowerbeds, chair-accessible planters and vertical wall planters for stand-up gardening required to support these activities? Will the space require staff attendance? Are funds available for the project or will fundraising be necessary? Should the project be carried out in one phase or will it be a multi-phased construction?

When these issues are identified and addressed, select a landscape architect experienced in designing for long-term care facilities. The construction cost relates directly to the size and number of elements such as gazebos, fountains, trellises, pergolas and sculptures.

Step 2: Determine the Location

The optimum location for the garden will be revealed by analyzing several aspects. They are:

• The relationship of interior and exterior spaces.
• A generous view of the garden should be available in a central gathering space. Seeing people in the garden reminds residents of its existence and entices them to experience the space.
• Location of doors and windows. A door to the garden near a window encourages residents to view and visit the garden.
• The orientation of space. The preferred orientation is on the south, east or west sides of a building. The sun should be able to penetrate the site for a significant portion of the day. Sun and shade, the relationship to interior spaces and views of the landscape are factors in the garden orientation.
• Many people enjoy views of the garden almost as much as being in the garden. Rachael Kaplan, environmental psychologist at the University of Michigan, has coined the term 'nearby nature' as a powerful determinant of our well-being. Seeing the garden and being able to move immediately into it are keys to its success.

If the garden is being designed for a new facility, the best results occur when an experienced landscape architect is included on the architectural design team. Working together in the preliminary design phase, designers are able to generate plans that celebrate the inside and outside activities and create a harmonious living space. In existing facilities, locations for garden spaces are more limited, but can be equally effective. Critically evaluating the space is key to its success. The ability for natural surveillance -- views of the space from common rooms or staffing stations -- allows visual monitoring, reducing the need for staff to be present.

Step 3: Site Analysis

A thorough understanding of the proposed site is the basis of an effective design solution. Is there significant change in the ground level or is the space relatively flat? Where will the surface water flow and gather? Where and at what time of day does the sun penetrate the proposed garden location? Are there existing trees in the garden? From what direction is the prevailing wind? What are the views beyond the space? Are there neighbors adjacent or is the garden well within the facility? Will the garden be visible from upper-story spaces?

Assembling this information on a scale map of the area helps you understand the assets and liabilities of the potential space and address them in the design.

Step 4: Programming

Essential to the design of a successful garden is planning the activities to be accommodated in the space. Is the garden for individuals with dementia? Since these individuals have a wide range of physical and cognitive abilities, a more specific analysis is helpful. Individuals with early onset dementia are able to function with few adaptations. Those experiencing the later stages of the disease require a more specialized space. A garden in a skilled nursing unit would require access for gerry chairs or even possibly a bed. Wide doors, warm microclimates and shaded space should be considered for this population.

Listing the groups, the abilities and the requirements for activities is important. Do some activities require special equipment or amenities (shuffleboard, bocce ball, etc.)? Will a horticultural therapy program be available? Can the areas accommodate visiting children?

Step 5: Schematic Design

The preliminary design of the space, based on a topographic survey, is the first opportunity to combine the program and the existing site. From numerous preliminary sketches, the schematic design arranges the desired activities, pathways, water features, plants and other elements into a harmonious, unified space. This drawing communicates the intent of the space and can become a means of generating interest and enthusiasm in the project. A presentation to the client is essential at this point and a preliminary cost estimate can be determined.

Step 6: Fund raising

One way of acknowledging financial gifts is through memorials. Guidelines should be established for this process to designate how the memorials are established and integrated. A giving wall or other feature could be established near the garden listing all donors. Because the cost estimate is executed in the schematic phase of the project, additional costs may reveal themselves as the project develops. Don't stop the fund raising until the garden is built and a generous maintenance endowment is in place.

Step 7: Design Development

In the design development stage, many designers begin recording the design on computer-aided design (CAD) systems. Refining and dimensioning the space inevitably reveals challenges and opportunities. Where will the yard drain to reduce puddles? How will the walk align with the access door? How will the trellis connect with the building facade? What kind of vegetation will be used? At this time the preliminarily plant materials are selected. Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) issues are reviewed, which includes slopes of walkways and widths of gates, doorways and paving surfacing materials that reduce glare and provide appropriate surface for walking and wheelchairs. This presentation provides the client an opportunity to review and agree to the plan. Changes at this stage are easy and inexpensive. As the construction documents are developed changes in the plan become much more time consuming. Many designers request additional fees for major design changes included after this point in the process.

Step 8: Construction Drawings and Specification

The necessary drawings for construction of a garden include the layout and planting plans. The layout plan shows arcs, dimensions, elevations, locations of lighting fixtures, walks, fences, yard drains and other features. The planting plan shows the location of flower beds, trees, shrubs and ground cover. Each plan is identified by Latin name, variety and size. Toxic and injurious plants are screened from the plant list. Additional information includes the condition (pot, container or root ball), quantity and special remarks about the plant.

In order for the contractor to install the project, the designer includes details for the elements of the plan, which may include retaining walls, pergolas, gazebos, fountains and paving. The cross section of a pond and fountain may be included in the detail drawings. These are all drawn to scale and have notes to identify materials, dimensions and finishes. Depending on the complexity of the garden an electrical plan and irrigation plan may be included.

The type and quality of materials are defined in the specifications. Planting specifications include such items as the depth of the soil for planting beds, the composition of the soil mix, the expected quality of plants and how they should be handled. The specifications ensure the intended quality for the project.

When the documents are complete, the project may be offered to a selected contractor or put out for bid. Bidding is an effective way to get the lowest price, but it may result in the project being given to an individual of unknown experience. Research the contractor's previous projects and speak with clients.

Step 9: Construction

Throughout the construction process, the designer visits the site and is on call to answer questions and check the intent of the design. As the contractor proceeds a payment for services may be requested. The designer evaluates the level of completeness to determine the amount of the contractor's "draw" or payment. At the completion of the project the designer develops a "punch list." Prior to the final payment, all incomplete items listed must be completed to the satisfaction of the owner and designer. When the last items are complete, all the plants are installed, the site is clean and the client is satisfied, the final payment is made to the contractor.

Step 10: Use and Evaluation

Although residents frequently see the project under construction, making the space their own is an important part of the experience. Evaluating and adjusting the space and activities are important follow-up tasks. How do residents use the garden? What activities draw the residents into the space? What programs enliven the space?

Gardens are one of the most effective environments for promoting a sense of well-being. With these guidelines you are ready to begin the process of designing a garden for your facility that will provide a new dimension for residents, staff and visitors.

Beckwith is a co-founder of the architecture and landscape architecture firm Beckwith Chapman Associates, Oxford, Ohio, specializing in the design of gardens for individuals with special needs.

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