We are delighted to reveal a very special project we designed for the Dame Vera Lynn Children’s Charity to build a surprise garden for the Taylor Johnson family just in time for Christmas 2020!
5-year- old son Joshua has severe complex physical and neurological disabilities. meaning there previous challenging sloping garden provided an unsafe and difficult environment for Joshua and his family to use, made even more difficult in his aided wheelchair. The surprise helped mark the Dame Vera Lynn Children’s Charity 20th Anniversary highlighting some of the amazing work the centre provides for families with disabled children. Helping pull the landscape industry together had been key for this amazing special project with material donations coming far and wide and many local landscaping companies joining us to help build this garden in just 6 Days!
Never have we fully appreciated the mental and physical benefits that come from having a beautiful and accessible outdoor space as we have in 2020. Lockdown has affected many families, but for those without access to a garden, staying home has undoubtedly been a challenge. With this in mind it didn’t feel right finishing 2020 without a charitable project so we contacted the Dame Vera Lynn Children’s charity to refer a family in need of a new garden.
Joshua Taylor Johnson is blind and unable to move without constant support, but he loves
the sensory experience that comes from being outside. Unfortunately, the family’s garden
consisted of a steep, uneven slope, making it impossible for them to take Joshua out in his
walking frame. The family have attempted to build ramps and a patio, however, they were
forced to abandon works due to high costs. As a result, Joshua spends most of his time inside.
“Conquest and Dame Vera Lynn have taken us on a journey we will never forget. Whilst Louise had visibility of the plans and build, it was a complete surprise to myself and Joshua. It was very humbling to see those who worked on the build, did so incredibly hard in all weathers and at all hours. Work started before 7am and the earliest finish was 9pm. We’ve never seen stamina like it!
Seeing how busy everyone was increased the suspense and anxiety through out the week. What was presented to us on Sunday 20th at the “big” reveal was jaw dropping. We were overwhelmed, stunned and speechless. The first thought was genuinely of all the companies who donated as the amount of materials used for hardscaping and planting was significant and high quality. The second thought was of everyone who gave their time, how on earth they did this in 6 days…long days was amazing. The last and most important was the difference it will make enabling us to access and use far more of the garden than before with Joshua and for Joshua to begin exploring in his walking frame.
We would never have created such a space for Josh and ourselves as a family, we took full advantage of the space over Christmas and New Year and it will be well used for the foreseeable.
We are incredibly grateful to everyone who gave their time and/or materials, a truly magnificent gift. Thank you.”
The finished garden consists of four levels with inter-connecting resin pathways perfect for Joshua’s wheelchair.
Top Terrace- Retained Patio which connects currently to the rear doors and garden gate 1.2m higher the middle terrace.
Middle Terrace- The Resin Bound open plan terrace fit with festoon lite pergola and Ilex hedging retainer is ample size for the family and is perfect for family dining and entertaining. This platform gives panoramic views of the whole garden showing off some of the fantastic multistem feature trees such as the Amelanchier & Photinia
Lower Terrace- This space sweeps gently through the garden fit with sensory items such as the brass mirror water feature, perpex rings and open plan play area for Joshua’s many large pieces of equipment that can be incorporated in. The tiered masonry planters are for Louise’s passion for growing veg and experimenting with edibles. Feature black tree’s cuts into fence are actually painted with chalkboard paint with the hope Joshua can experience some fun here seeing shapes and messages.
Garden Room- With the experienced help of our friends at Miniature Manors ltd we were able to get this incredibly special building feature complete in this 6 day period! Fit with green roof and an overhanging deck platform that looks into the stream below this wonderful space was inspired around providing a place of reflection for Dad Richard who has long suffered from Chronic depression over the years. Mental health has such an important place in our daily lives and it is something that has to be leant to cope with rather than cure especially during dark times. This space without a doubt is a joy to be in for the whole family.