Accredited Designer
Hampshire, SO19 9HQ debbie@stepchange-design.co.uk 02380 685193 www.stepchange-design.co.uk
About Carroll, Debbie (MBALI)
I feel so lucky to be able to indulge my passion for the outdoors by creating actively used and much loved gardens for a living, and meeting so many wonderful people along the way. For Care Home Owners: I specialise in transforming care home gardens into vibrant, actively used spaces through delivery of person-centred care. Drawing on our unique research, my ‘Why don’t we go into the garden?’ series of books, tools, and in-person support guides your team through a culture change, empowering care teams and residents alike to enjoy meaningful activities outdoors, especially for those living with dementia. My ‘Relationship-Centred Design’ approach ensures that both physical design and organisational culture work together, delivering long-term benefits and a strong return on investment for your residents’ well-being. For Private Home Owners: I have designed domestic gardens for over 20 years and am now scaling back this side of my work, though if you have an interesting project likely to be delivered over time do get in touch. Ready to transform your garden? I believe that the ‘Gardens that are loved are the Gardens that last’. By putting people at the heart of my support, I create outdoor spaces that are good for both you and the planet. Feel free to get in touch to discuss how I can help you create a space that’s truly loved and actively used long after I have left. Contact me via debbie@stepchange-design.co.uk, or for domestic design at debbie@dcgardendesigs.co.uk.
Areas covered
International, National (Eng/Wales/Scot/NI)
Types of work undertaken
- Design Facility (unlimited)
- Commercial (unlimited)
- Disabled/Historic Gardens (unlimited)
- Domestic (unlimited)
- Hard Landscaping (unlimited)
Projects
Porthaven Care Home Group Garden Challenge 2026
Utilising our 'Why don't we go into the garden?' resources this care home group annual garden challenge focused on garden engagement linked to residents choice and delivered through person-centred care.
Willersley House Care Home MHA Sunken Garden & woodland walk
This design for an 'Outstanding' care home was to redevelop an old sunken garden. Our work sense-checks care practices to ensure the garden is used after we leave. This was location w is separated from the home by a service road and they actively use their front garden and do daily walks all year.
With input from residents, families and carers space for small social groups was created and opportunity to potter. A woodland walk connects it to the service road near the dining room entrance.
Rochdale Royal Infirmery Dementia ward Roof garden & staff garden
Working with the hospital estates team and sponsor developer we created the concept for the dementia and staff garden areas. Consideration to where load was placed was key as this sat over the emergency room X-Ray department. Final planting was undertaken by staff & volunteers with guidance by RHS Community project.
Physiotherapy Hospital Garden
This garden was designed specifically to support the work of this physiotherapy ward, with 80% of patients living with dementia. Access was from the ward lounge as well as directly from the physio gym, with a variety of surfaces commonly found in the domestic home and public spaces to support patients practise on these prior to returning home.
Planting provides all year around interest, attractive to insects, and incorporated many familiar garden plants. The Gazebo, benches and large patio provided plenty of space for patients and visitors to relax outside.
