With a waterfall, chicken pen and edible plants (herbs and apples), the new garden at Calvary St Joseph’s Retirement Community has been carefully curated to offer an experience that will engage all of the senses.

Designed by Maintenance Manager Paul Campbell and Gardener Miro Disciascrio, the garden allows residents, especially those with dementia, to enjoy nature in a safe and tactile environment.

Paul undertook significant research to ensure that the garden would be safe for the residents. Paul explains, “I had to make sure the plants would be safe. They needed to be edible and not sharp to touch. We also had to think about the materials we used around the garden”.

Sensory Gardens can also make a great contribution to emotional and physical health. They can be beautiful places to relax, reflect, meditate, contemplate and talk. Calvary St Joseph’s Manager Helen Gayner has found that “the residents just love sitting in the peaceful surrounds of the garden”.