Sensory Garden opened to mark Platinum Jubilee

Brooklands Care Home residents were joined by Councillor Sharon Blundell to officially open the garden and plant a 'Lizzie' plum tree.

Our 92-year-old resident, Barbara, said: “It’s such a lovely, quiet and serene area to sit in and just contemplate. I’m very proud of the way we have marked the Queen’s Jubilee. I think she would approve!”

Residents were asked to choose between an aviary and a sensory garden to mark the Jubilee – and chose the garden. They were also asked to vote for a tree to plant at the centre of the garden as part of the Queen’s Green Canopy initiative – and opted for a variety of plum tree called Lizzie.

Friends of the Tud Valley, a local community group led by Pauline Williamson, became involved in the development of the garden, working closely with the residents to realise their dream.

Home manager Julia Chapman-Wright said: “With help from the Friends of the Tud Valley, our Platinum Jubilee Sensory Garden will give us all pleasure for years and years to come.  The benefits of a sensory garden are considerable – especially for our residents living with dementia – in that the wonderful sights and smells can trigger happy memories from their younger years and encourage feelings of calm and contentment.”