Accessible Garden Design: From Inaccessible to Incredible

When a steep Blairgowrie block made outdoor living impossible, homeowners Erica and Andrew turned to LV members, Foliage Landscaping & Garden Care, for help. The result is a breathtaking, accessible garden that redefines what inclusive design can achieve, proving that great landscaping is about more than beauty; it’s about freedom, comfort, and connection.

Lauren Bianchi | 6 Nov 2025 | 5 min read

When Erica and her husband Andrew looked out at their backyard, they saw limits. The steep slope and uneven terrain made it unsafe and difficult to enjoy, especially with Andrew’s mobility challenges.

What they wanted was more than a makeover; they wanted a sanctuary.

That’s where the team from Foliage Landscaping & Garden Care, led by Andrea and Anthony Uren, stepped in. With empathy, creativity, and technical skill, they transformed a difficult Blairgowrie block into an accessible, low-maintenance garden that’s as functional as it is beautiful.

A Garden Vision of Beauty and Functionality

From the very beginning, Andrea and Anthony approached the project with a clear mission: design a landscape that supports independence and comfort, without compromising style.

“When Erica set out to find the right landscaper, she used Landscaping Victoria’s Find a Professional tool,” Andrea explains.

“That connection started a partnership built on trust and shared vision.”

The redesign was a complete reimagining of the space.

Lawn areas gave way to elegant Frozen Blue marble pathways, laid in a stretcher bond pattern for both beauty and safety. Corten steel planters retained the existing slope while creating layered planting zones that provide privacy, texture, and a lush coastal feel.

At the centre sits a single-level firepit area where family and friends can gather without barriers; a place designed for comfort, connection, and calm. The finished garden feels open yet intimate, sophisticated yet serene.

Overcoming Challenges with Creative Solutions

Access was the biggest challenge. With only a narrow pedestrian door available, the Foliage team couldn’t rely on large machinery. Instead, they used a small excavator and plenty of manual labour, moving every load by hand.

“We couldn’t achieve what we do without our team,” Andrea says.

“Their contribution is invaluable, especially on projects like this where precision and care matter so much.”

Every design decision was made with purpose. A soft, neutral palette for fences and structures allowed the plants to shine. Hidden pool equipment, subtle lighting, and a custom step for wheelchair access all reflected the team’s thoughtful attention to detail.

Designing Gardens for Real Lives

For Andrea, the most rewarding part wasn’t just seeing the garden take shape, it was witnessing its impact.

“This space was once inaccessible,” she says. “Now Andrew moves around it with ease and enjoyment. That’s what landscaping is about, not just creating something beautiful, but designing spaces people can truly live in.”

For Erica, the new garden has been life-changing.

“We spend most of our time outdoors now,” she says.

“My husband can finally access the garden and feel safe outside on his own. It’s private, peaceful, and full of birdlife; a joy to be in.”

A New Way to Live Outdoors

This project proves that accessibility and design can, and should, go hand in hand.

With the right expertise, even the most challenging sites can become inclusive, inviting spaces that enhance daily life.

Erica shares simple advice for anyone considering a similar transformation:

“Start with a clear vision, be open to expert advice, and invest in professional landscaping. Having the right team makes all the difference, not just in the design, but in the entire experience.”

For homeowners looking to connect with trusted landscapers who can bring creative, functional spaces to life, explore Landscaping Victoria’s Find a Professional tool.

This garden began as a challenge, and became a celebration of what’s possible when landscape design meets compassion, craftsmanship, and collaboration.

Read the full case study in our 2025 digital issue of The Best magazine.