HOME / GARDENS

Gardens

Across all Colten Care homes, gardens form part of daily life rather than a backdrop to it. We place real importance on outdoor space as part of residents’ wellbeing, ensuring it remains accessible and easy to use throughout the year.

Regular access to fresh air, light and seasonal change can support mood, orientation and a sense of independence. Whether someone chooses to garden, watch wildlife or simply sit quietly with a cup of tea, the gardens are there to be used as part of normal routine, with support available whenever needed.

Accessible and easy to move through

Designed for everyday use

Each garden is arranged to support natural movement and choice. Paths are smooth and easy to follow. Seating is placed where residents can sit comfortably and see their surroundings. Planting maintains clear sightlines while still providing depth and interest.

Some residents enjoy tending a bed or joining a gardening group. Others prefer to sit quietly, watch birds or spend time outside with visitors. Being outdoors does not require being active. The space supports both engagement and quiet presence.

Outdoor space to be used, not just observed

An extension of the home

The gardens are not separate from the home. They are part of it. Doors open easily onto patios and paths, and seating is arranged so residents can choose how close they would like to be to the outdoors.

Some residents enjoy potting plants, sketching, reading or spending time in small groups outside. Others prefer to sit quietly with a cup of tea, facing the garden from a comfortable chair indoors. Both are equally valid ways of using the space.

The gardens are there to be experienced rather than admired. Residents decide how they use them, whether actively or simply by being present.

Managed by our own gardening team

Cared for with long-term expertise

Across the group, more than 20,000 square metres of gardens are maintained by Colten Care’s own gardening team, who work across the homes throughout the year. The same specialists understand each site’s soil conditions, drainage and microclimate, allowing planting to develop steadily and remain resilient.

Planting schemes are designed to mature over years. Trees, shrubs and perennials are selected for longevity and seasonal variation. Composting and soil improvement support long-term plant health. Wildlife-friendly planting encourages birds and insects, and wildflower areas are introduced where appropriate.

This stewardship ensures that the gardens remain established and consistent rather than frequently altered.

Outdoor spaces in daily use

Our gardens in practice

The images below show gardens across our homes at different times of year. They reflect the scale and maturity of the landscapes, and how residents use them, and how residents use them as part of everyday life.

Familiar spaces through the seasons

Established landscapes that residents return to

Gardens develop through steady refinement rather than redesign. Routes may be adjusted, planting opened up or seating repositioned so the space remains comfortable and easy to use.

Because planting is selected for longevity and seasonal change, the gardens evolve without losing their character. Residents become familiar with particular views, paths and planting patterns. This familiarity supports confidence and makes the outdoor space feel like part of home.

Maintained throughout the year, the gardens remain usable in all seasons and form a consistent part of daily life.

Talk to us about our gardens

If access to outdoor space is important to you or your family, we can explain how the gardens in our homes support daily life and outdoor access.

Find a homeGet In Touch

© 2026 Colten Care. All rights reserved