Arbuthnot House Walled Garden Survey

Respondents were asked how they might use the garden, for sitting quietly perhaps, or for attending events. They were asked what sort of plants and features they wanted to see in the garden, related to how they might use it; whether it should be garden ground for community use or landscaped areas for picnics for example. There were 54 responses to the walled garden survey.

When asked about the top 3 reasons they might use the garden: 81% of respondents said for quiet, reflective time; 60% said for picnics; and 30% of respondents said for events. When respondents were asked what they considered the top three features for inclusion in the garden they said: benches; outdoor seats for the café; and a quiet zone for contemplation.

In terms of what people felt was most important for landscaping the garden, the top three responses were: wildflowers, grasses and biodiverse areas (59%); sheltered and covered areas (55%); and a sensory area (43%).

Comments received included: a desire for murals and sculptures; consideration for allowing dogs into the space; concerns about seagulls and wind affecting use of the outdoor areas; support for sensory and contemplative spaces; and concerns around security and vandalism.

We asked, You said, We will

Landscaping proposals for the garden are taking account of the multi-use requests from the wider community; a small outdoor exhibition area will be included as will productive trees and beds for community growing and harvesting. There will be a mix of different ground surfaces and smaller spaces with a range of seating to encourage different uses, from picnics to quiet contemplation or reading. Ornamental planting will be carefully chosen to both survive the coastal location, but also increase opportunities for biodiversity. The garden will be fully accessible, enable easy movement between the different functional spaces, and sensory planting will be considered within the overall scheme.