Neive Tierney, a landscape architect with a unique blend of ecological expertise and holistic wellness principles, recently took on a challenging project that beautifully showcases her innovative approach to garden design. Neive is known for creating spaces that support both local ecosystems and her clients’ well-being. Her experience as a former yoga teacher and ongoing studies in Ayurveda and herbalism often inform her designs, fostering gardens that nurture mind, body, and spirit.

This philosophy was put to the test when Neive was tasked with designing a fully accessible garden for her friends Sasha and Rachel in Los Angeles, with Sasha being a wheelchair user. The project not only demanded Neive’s technical skills but also her ability to create a space that was both functional and healing, perfectly aligning with her vision of gardens as places of wellness and ecological harmony.

The main goal was to create a fully accessible space for Sasha, who uses a wheelchair, without compromising on aesthetics or functionality. The L-shaped garden incorporates a saltwater pool, hot tub, and various entertaining areas, all designed with wheelchair accessibility in mind.

The key to making the garden accessible was a 15-meter long concrete ramp, built to ADA standards, connecting the dining area to the pool and hot tub. A boardwalk made of durable Kebony wood runs throughout the garden, providing a smooth surface for wheelchair movement while creating a floating effect above the plants. This design element was inspired by Sasha’s love for National Parks, adding both practicality and personal touch to the space.

Perhaps the most innovative accessibility feature is the pool area design. The bench surrounding the pool is built at the same height as Sasha’s wheelchair (45cm), allowing her to transfer herself into the pool or hot tub without any special equipment. The bench also serves as a seamless divider between the pool and hot tub, enabling Sasha to slide from one to the other effortlessly. This clever design ensures that Sasha can enjoy the water features independently, promoting both relaxation and exercise.

The garden’s planting scheme was carefully considered to complement the accessible design. Aromatic plants were included to cater to Sasha’s preferences, and the layout ensures there’s plenty of greenery to enjoy from various vantage points. The result is a lush, inviting space that doesn’t compromise on style or functionality, proving that accessible design can be both beautiful and practical.

Source: Gardens Illustrated

Claude, a potential tool for increased accessibility, was used as a research and writing aid for this blog post. Do you think this is an appropriate use of chatGPT? Why or why not? Let me know!