Gardens and Terraces Accessible to All: Wheelchair-Friendly Oases for Everyone

The newly designed home that is easy to access will become even more welcoming if you incorporate both the garden and terrace into your plan. This way, everybody can appreciate them over time.

As per the Rhineland-Palatinate consumer advice center, here’s what you should do.

Permanent or movable ramps within a structure serve as an effective way for individuals using wheelchairs to transition between indoor and outdoor spaces. When planning a new home, ensure your design incorporates exit points that do not have elevated ledges.

Paths should remain step-free and unobstructed. Anti-slip materials enhance daily convenience. Steer clear of bumpy surfaces like cobblestones. Routes filled with sand are not ideal since they turn mushy when wet; this could cause wheelchair wheels to bog down and struggle to move freely.

Set up lighting alongside pathways to ensure safe navigation through your garden during the evenings. Additionally, this illumination enhances the outdoor ambiance, making it more enjoyable.

Select secure and durable outdoor seating. Chairs that allow a wheelchair to roll underneath them work best. Awnings or shade sails controlled by cranks or electric motors offer an easier-to-use option compared to traditional umbrellas.

Gardening becomes more manageable for those who use wheelchairs through raised bed designs. Choose robust, slowly growing plants that demand minimal upkeep when planting your garden. A centralized irrigation system operable from an easy-to-reach location simplifies plant watering significantly. For disposing of green waste efficiently, opt for sunken compost bins.