Garden design


drawings ready to start the creation of this amazing space we now love too much. The design only elevated over the


period from the first idea to the mood boards, to the creative work to then seeing it all coming together. Chris, the man behind the design of our garden, began to build frames for the wind chimes and sculptural butterflies. During the creation period, there was


a lot of thought going into the plants, flowers and herbs that were going to give our garden the most aromatic smells, colours, and tastes. Not only did our team at Dodington Lodge put a huge amount of effort into making this one of our new favourite places to relax and find joy in the home, but we used the activity time with the residents to get them involved. They spent time planning lavender,


strawberries and other plants that have given the sensory garden its feeling of community. Our residents absolutely loved taking part in creating this space and we have absolutely no doubt it will become their favourite place to visit in the home. The final touches were made to finalise


the beauty of the garden, our residents absolutely love the charming pastel colour that the fences were painting during the last part of making the garden a place to enjoy our much-loved scenery, nature, and evening sunshine.


Incorporating nature Having varied and individual features within our garden such as: planting beds that have been thought out creatively; colour that amplifies the gardens beauty; and plants that all have unique fragrant, textures and tastes, all work in coordination to promote the five senses being used simultaneously. Not only does our unique feature


encourage the five senses, but it also brings nature to the gardens such as bees, butterflies, and small animals. Having nature become part of our newly-built sensory garden gives our residents constant interest especially those who are keen bird watchers.


Having a place to feel safe, happy,


and calm is our top priority when giving our residents the best when it comes to care and an exciting way of life. At Doddington Lodge, we are so proud of our newly-implemented sensory garden, not only because of how much beauty it will add to our already excising gardens and amazing location in nature, but it will be an incredibly beneficial element of the home to each and every one of our residents.


Conclusion Having dementia can be incredibly hard to deal with. It can lead to feeling trapped, confused, and angry. If we can help by getting our residents


with dementia back into nature where they can begin to enjoy and get involved in a community as well as enjoying the small things in life again, such as the warm summer sun on their face, a song from a bird or even just the scent of a newly- bloomed flower, then that is what we intend for this garden to do. We hope our residents feel as though


they have a place to find some alone time with nature, somewhere to recharge and reenergise. Our garden was built on a simple idea


Everything around the garden is there to be joyful, with loads to see, feel, smell, hear and touch, keeping our residents’ minds active and inspired


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that would be a space for our dementia patients to get involved with and lead to amazing health benefits, it has now not only succeeded at being just that, but it is now our favourite place to find tranquillity, let the world go by, and get back into nature.


TCHE


Alma Varona


Alma Varona is home manager at Doddington Lodge care home in Shropshire. With a background in nursing and nursing management in the Philippines, caring for others has always been close to her heart. After coming to the UK, to work in the care sector, Alma found herself increasingly drawn to the specialist care of those living with dementia. After understanding more about Doddington Lodge, Alma was overjoyed when offered the role of home manager and a chance to join Doddington Lodge’s family and team.


www.thecarehomeenvironment.com • October 2021


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