“Easy Steps to Dream Garden”

Bord Bia commissioned RLA to create a design for a Family Garden as part of the ‘Easy Steps to Dream Gardens’ project.

This is a split level multi generational space featuring three distinct zones with a variety of offerings for a growing family. A vibrantly planted raised bed of weathered steel filters the view into the garden from the house. Robust low toxicity planting has been selected to encourage pollinators and wildlife.

A solid wall to play ball against has become the new must have for kids following lockdown. It’s a great way to get the kids off devices and practicing their hand eye co-ordination and improving their skills for the GAA zoom calls.

The space is wheelchair accessible with a sheltered bench under the pergola to capture the morning sun. You'll find a green-roofed playhouse with a sandpit and a studio room which can be used for an office or storage, or converted into a den when the kids are older. A decked area offers a tranquil space to read amongst the grasses or to be imagined as a stage set for kids entertainment.

A water feature adds movement and sound where children can be taught how to carefully transfer water from across the deck to the sheltered sand pit under the playhouse.