Shared gardens can often be challenging and underutilised spaces. But even when people do not agree on every detail, a space can still serve to meet multiple needs while also being a boon to local wildlife.
This design for a client in Glasgow, Scotland, aims to overcome the challenges of this largely shaded shared garden. It aims to tackle an issue with flooding by the entrance to the space, and runoff from the slope and raised lawn/ garden area that makes up most of the area.
It also aims to turn an under-used shared garden space currently unappealing to residents into a space where they want to spend more time.
Flooding Remediation in Garden Design
The tree main areas to mitigate flooding are:
• Planting along the slope adjacent to the pathway along the back of the block.
• A rain garden basin at the heart of the space, with diverse native wildflowers.
• Planting to cover the challenging area below the mature trees (one coniferous) on the southern portion of the site, where there is currently a large area with needle mulch and bare soil, worsening runoff issues.
The addition of plenty of organic matter as wood chip pathways are made and replenished, and other diverse planting across the shared garden, should also help with natural water retention and infiltration without the need for French drains or any other more extreme/ expensive measures.
Recreational Spaces for Shared Gardens
In addition to tackling flooding issues, this design also aims to create a shared garden where the occupants are more likely to want to spend more time. In aid of this, unsightly bin areas are partly screened by suggested planting of shrubs.
Three separate seating areas are also suggested. Created with wood pallets and utilizing the large stump of a former tree, these provide rustic, relaxed and flexible relaxation spaces. There is also potential for a fire pit/ barbecue area, a pallet bar, prep. space and storage, and a raised bed to grow some leafy greens or herbs if wanted.
I have also suggested creating a proper composting area in the old bin store, and perhaps cultivating mushrooms in there, on mushroom logs, as another joint resource.
The selection of plants also aims to create a lush and enclosed feel to the space, while maximising the light available. Diverse planting adds to biodiversity and welcomes wildlife to the space, while also offering a few low-maintenance edibles including a suggested dwarf apple tree.
If you have a shared garden, communal space or community area that you wish to improve, please contact me to discuss precisely how I can help.
EWSP Consultancy 