Coombe Hill Manor is a perfect example of well-used small space on the out skirts of London with an interesting and sustainable garden. The whole area behind a large care home building was designed as a rain garden including the large terrace with raised beds. Rain water from all of the hard surfaces including a large roof is collected and channeled into the raised beds planted with moisture loving plants. Their roots as well as the growing medium filter the rain water, which then runs through channels and gravel beds into the retention pond. Here the water can slowly soak in or evaporate.

Rain water retention has a wide-reaching effects on local biodiversity and helps to balance the local climate changes. The garden is not only sustainable, it is especially enjoyable and comfortable for the residents of the care home. The timber gazebo and platform over the retention pond offers stunning views and a large number of benches provides comfort and encouragement for them to go out. Raised beds offer an opportunity to grow vegetables or herbs.

The garden for people suffering from dementia has became a part of large Morden College estate. The main building at Morden College was built in 1695 in the architectural style of Christopher Wren and it’has served the poor and elderly people right from the beginning. The first residents where mainly merchants (same as the founder John Morden), who found themselves in a difficult financial situation by any other accidents ways or means in their honest endeavors. The same spirit continues to these days.

The Morden College estate comprises indipendent living for elderly people, assisted living and care unit for people suffering from Alzheimer’s disease. A new garden was designed and constructed for residents with early onset of dementia. Now, they will be able to enjoy a nice day outside, have a tea or lunch on a sunny day at the large dinning table under the pergola with climbing Wisteria, which provides shade.

A complex water feature brings life to the small garden, bubbling water cascades down the steps into a circular basin. The planting surrounding the water feature and seating areas stimulates the residents with its colour and scent. They also have an opportunity to do hands on gardening at the raised beds.