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Green fingered helpers stimulate the senses 14 July 2006 Bupa care homes are creating spectacular gardens that will appeal to their residents by stimulating all their senses. The sensory gardens project is now in its fifth year and almost 40 homes are taking part with support from community partners including local schools, churches and groups. The project, by Bupa Care Services and Community Connections, has already enriched the lives of residents at 201 homes across the UK. This year, plans include butterfly and wildlife gardens, vegetable patches, aromatic herb pots and raised flower beds to allow easy access for disabled residents. At Fieldway care home in Surrey, staff are creating a garden with a seaside theme, while at Hutton Village care home in Brentwood, Essex, there will be a sensory and wildlife walk. Nicole Humphreys, Bupa’s community affairs manager said, “BUPA works in over 350 locations around the country developing long-term partnerships with local community groups. For the last four years, Bupa has teamed up with national disability and gardening charity, Thrive and over 250 groups to create stunning sensory gardens at 201 care homes across the country. We hope people will be as eager to get involved this year. Gardening is a great way to exercise, keep fit and healthy and can be a good way to socialise.” Last year the project inspired many innovative themes, including a fairy garden, a lighthouse design, and a garden based on a war-time bunker. “Sensory gardens can be enjoyed by everybody. We are encouraging Bupa’s care homes to be creative and develop gardens using sculptures, running water and plants with bold shapes, strong scents and bright colours to stimulate all the senses,” says Kim Pierpoint, Thrive’s training and education manager. Thrive is a national charity that makes use of gardening to change the lives of people with a disability. Thrive’s varied activities focus on championing the benefits of gardening to individuals and organisations, as well as teaching techniques and practical applications so that anybody with a disability can take part and enjoy this outdoor activity. Over 21,000 people every week attend formal garden projects where they are engaged in therapeutic gardening programmes.
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