The idea
We want to transform a currently unusable outdoor space at Summerfield into a dementia-friendly sensory garden designed for residents, relatives and visiting community groups.
The garden will feature raised planters filled with colourful, scented plants, textured pathways, seating areas, and interactive sensory elements to encourage relaxation, connection and enjoyment for people of all ages and abilities.
This project will provide a safe, inclusive and welcoming environment for socialising, therapeutic activities and nature experiences, bringing people together and improving mental wellbeing for everyone who visits.
What we'll deliver
- Interactive sensory features
- Planting for wildlife to encourage pollinators and biodiversity
- Raised sensory planters with herbs, flowers, and colourful plants
- Benches and shaded seating areas for relaxation and group activities
- Level, accessible pathways for safe movement
Why it's a great idea
- Enhance cognitive stimulation: The sensory garden provides opportunities for memory recall and engagement through sensory elements tailored to those with dementia.
- Foster intergenerational connections: Creates a shared space where different generations can connect, learn, and spend time together, increasing social cohesion.
- Encourage physical activity: Pathways and interactive features promote gentle exercise, supporting both physical health and mobility.
- Support emotional healing: The peaceful garden environment offers a retreat for mindfulness and stress relief, benefiting mental health.
- Strengthen community identity: The inclusive space nurtures a sense of belonging and shared ownership among users and local community members.
- Year-round appeal: Designed with seasonal plants and features to ensure the garden remains engaging and vibrant throughout the year.
- Wild planting, insect houses and bird table to enable biodiversity
Steps to get it done
- Removal of unwanted stones and rubble
- Making of the benches, raised beds and other necessary equipment
- Laying the rubber areas
- Create the seating areas
- Create the sensory areas
- Fitting of the benches, raised beds and any other equipment
- Planting the flowers, shrubs and bushes
- Laying the astro/turf
- Finishing touches
- Grand opening
- Installing the water feature
- Refreshing the only currently used part of the garden with new plants
- Erection of the Rotary Peace Pole
