Rachel de Thame visits Loveday’s Sensory Garden
Gardeners’ World presenter Rachel de Thame explored the beautiful sensory garden at loveday Abbey Road, giving it her official stamp of approval. She met with Ed Freeman, the landscape designer responsible for the creation of the garden, who showed her around the grounds, pointing out defining features and explaining the context and complexities involved when creating a sensory garden for people living with dementia.
Rachel was impressed by the meticulously researched and designed garden which is thriving with plants selected not only for their aesthetic appeal and colour, but also for scent, touch, taste and even sound, helping those with dementia to connect with the outside space. She was delighted to show us how to pot herbs, using utensils from the potting shed and was happy to see how the herbs from the garden are used by the culinary team to ensure all the freshest ingredients are used within the menus. Rachel was taken with the striking water feature where the running water shimmers and the sound offers soothing and calming benefits.
Rachel loved the sense of tranquillity and relaxation the garden offers, which is hugely important for people living with dementia.
Our world-class sensory garden at Abbey Road is an enclave of serenity for Members, staff, friends and family to enjoy and we could not be more proud to see it blossoming!
Published: 25th of May 2023 by Loveday & Co
Tagged: Dementia
