We’re excited to share the completion of our new sensory garden at Robert Harvey House, a special project made possible through the generous donation of Sujata and Sanjiv, in memory of their parents, Prakash and Kamalini.
Anthea Reid, our General Manager at Robert Harvey House, reached out to Sujata and Sanjiv with an update and photos, writing: I wanted to share with you some photos of the beautiful garden we’ve created thanks to your generous donation in memory of your parents Prakash and Kamalini. We hope you agree that it’s a truly special and peaceful space. Designed as a quiet retreat, it features a variety of stimulating plants and flowers that are now in full bloom. We’ve also made it a no-smoking area to ensure it remains as healthy and serene as possible—something we know your mother would have deeply appreciated.
While the water feature is still being completed, we didn’t want to wait any longer to send you these photos, as the roses and other flowers are currently at their most vibrant.
Thank you again for your kindness and support. This garden is already bringing joy and calm to all who visit.”
It’s heartwarming to see how the garden is being embraced by our residents and their families. The sensory garden was designed as a space for relaxation and engagement, offering a peaceful retreat for everyone who visits. The garden includes a variety of plants that cater to different senses—fragrant flowers, colourful foliage, and tactile plants—which are now flourishing and adding beautiful colours to the landscape. The planted beds and fencing helps to absorb background noises, creating a quiet, peaceful space that can soothe residents, particularly those with dementia. As we continue to develop the garden, the completion of our water feature will enhance the calming atmosphere as the sound of running water provides a soothing background, perfect for moments of calm reflection.
Sensory gardens like this one offer many benefits, especially for those living with dementia. Research has shown that using a variety of colours, textures, and scents can help engage residents and promote positive interactions. Outdoor spaces designed with calming shades of green are known to be the most restful for dementia patients, while bright colours like red, yellow, and orange are more noticeable and spark conversation. Raised beds allow residents, including those in wheelchairs, to plant, weed, and water the garden which can also have therapeutic benefits, fostering a sense of accomplishment and connection. The plants are easily accessible for smelling and touching, making it an inclusive and engaging activity.
We’re incredibly proud of our sensory garden, named in honour of Prakash and Kamalini Narayan and it’s wonderful to see how it’s already making a positive impact on our residents and their families. We’re deeply grateful to Sujata and Sanjiv for their generous donation and continued support.
