A garden for the senses: how outdoor spaces can transform life with dementia

As Manager at Chirk Court Nursing Home, near Wrexham, I’d love to share something close to my heart: our new sensory garden. After months of planning, fundraising and rolling up our sleeves, we recently celebrated its grand opening with the help of our local community, the Mayor of Wrexham, and Kerry Evans, Disability Liaison Officer from Wrexham AFC. It was a truly special day, and now the real joy has begun, as our residents can now enjoy this wonderful space every day.

I’d like to share why I feel a sensory garden is so much more than just a pretty outdoor space; especially for people living with dementia.

Why sensory gardens matter

For people with dementia, engaging the senses can bring comfort, spark memories and create moments of calm. Our garden has been carefully designed with this in mind. From the gentle sound of wind chimes and running water, to the fragrance of lavender, roses and herbs, and the texture of raised beds and plants that you can reach out and touch; every element offers stimulation in a safe and welcoming way.

We’ve also included wide, accessible pathways, mindful walkways, colourful planting and quiet corners for reflection. What this means in practice is that residents can feel relaxed, engaged and included in the life of the home. For some, the garden has already become a favourite place for conversation, gentle exercise, or simply sitting and soaking up the sunshine.

The benefits we’re seeing

It’s been incredible to see the impact of the sensory garden already.

• Wellbeing boost – more time outdoors reduces stress and improves mood.
• Memory connection – scents, sights and sounds often initiate happy memories and encourage conversation.
• Social interaction – residents naturally gather together, sparking friendships and laughter.
• Gentle activity – raised beds and planters mean residents of all abilities can help with gardening, from planting seeds to picking herbs.

As one of our visitors said, “It feels like a little piece of heaven.”

Thinking about creating a sensory garden?

If you’re considering developing a sensory garden in your own care setting, here are some tips we’ve learned along the way:

• Start small – even a few pots of herbs or fragrant flowers can make a difference.
• Think about accessibility – raised beds, wide paths and seating areas ensure everyone can enjoy the space.
• Use all the senses – include sound (wind chimes, water features), touch (different textures of plants), sight (bright colours, seasonal flowers), scent (lavender, rosemary, roses), and even taste (fruit, herbs, vegetables).
• Get everyone involved – staff, residents, families and volunteers all bring energy, ideas and pride in the project.
• Seek out funding – we were lucky to receive a grant from Keep Wales Tidy, and there are many similar schemes to support community and wellbeing projects.

Looking ahead

Our sensory garden is already proving to be a haven of joy, relaxation and connection. It’s a reminder that sometimes the simplest things, fresh air, flowers, and the sound of nature, can make the biggest difference.

If you’d like to hear more, I’ll be speaking on a panel session at Care Show Birmingham 2025 in the Design, Build and Environments Theatre, where I’ll be sharing my thoughts on the importance of developing outdoor spaces in care settings. I’d love to see you there!

Photos from our wonderful sensory garden: