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CLIENT: Kari Court dementia-specific aged-care facility
LOCATION: St Ives, Sydney
NEEDS: Defined route through the garden, different levels of stimulation, choice of active or passive engagement, increased connection with nature
AIM: Residents maintain dignity and sense of self, enjoy their surroundings and improve mental, physical and emotional wellbeing
SOLUTION: Integrated system of seating, activity areas and points of interest threading through the narrow site
COMMON THREAD
SEASONAL VARIATION
PLANTS
SUMMER WINTER
Position Part-full sunSensory engagement
Visual – red stems in winter, white flowers in spring
Bloom time Spring
Position Part-full sunSensory engagement
Tactile – stringy leaves, visual – bright colour
Position Full sunSensory engagement Tactile – soft leaves
Bloom time Summer – yellow flowers
CORNUS ALBAACACIA COGNATA ‘LIMELIGHT’
LEUCOPHYTA BROWNII (CUSHION BUSH)
SUSTAINABILITY
ORIENTATION
ACCESSIBILITY
SOCIALISATION
MEANINGFUL ACTIVITY
REMINISCENCE
SENSORY STIMULATION
SAFETY
DESIGN PRINCIPLESAlzheimers Australia has developed a list of eight design principles to consider when planning a dementia-specific garden. Each area fits into the matrix of independent/supported, active/passive
AESTHETICSA large proportion of residents have a Mediterranean cultural background. This informed plant choice and materials so that the garden feels familiar.
AUSTRALIAN
OTHER
MEDITERRANEAN
ACTIVE PASSIVE
INDEPENDENT
SUPPORTED
Position Part-full sunSensory engagement Scent, tactile
Bloom time Spring, summer
Position Full sunSensory engagement Edible, visual – high contrast
Bloom time Spring, summer, autumn
Position Part-full sunSensory engagement Edible, visual – attracts birds
Bloom time Winter, spring – lilac flowers
LAVENDER NASTURTIUMALYOGYNE HUEGELII (NATIVE HIBISCUS)
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2
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4
5 6
MAIN ENTRANCE DINING ROOM
NORTH EAST WING
PARKING
LAWN
PATIO
CHILDREN’S PLAY AREA
Pergolas
Established trees
HERB GARDEN
POTTING AREA
MEN’S SHED
WATER GARDEN
Awning
Ramp
Ramp
ENTERTAINMENT DECK
SITE
Leucophyta brownii (Cushion bush)
Acacia cognata ‘Limelight’
Rosemarinus officianalus
Cornus alba (Dogwood)
Correa alba
Plectranthus (Mona lavender)
Baloskion tetraphyllum (Feather Top)
Lavandula
Sage
Thyme
Oregano
Fennel
Hydrangea
Alyogyne huegelii (Native hibiscus)
Wild garlic
Armeria ‘Bees lilac’
Monarda (Bee balm)
Aloe plicatilis
Anigozanthus ‘Gold Velvet’ (Kangaroo paw)
Anigozanthus ‘Ruby Velvet’ (Kangaroo paw)
Poa labillardieri ‘Eskdale’
Pennisetum alopecuroides ‘Purple lea’
Geranium
Dianella ‘Little Jess’
Loropetalum chinense ‘Purple pixie’
Iris
Prunus
Westringia ‘Naringa’
Bay laurel (standard)
PLANTS
Wicker
AcaciaReclaimed limestone cladding 35mmEco liner composite material –
recycled plastic, timber and stone
Topsoil
Peat 100mm
Fibreglass 15mmGravel 20-50mm
Drainage holes
THREAD COMPONENTS PLANTER BOXES | LOW WALLS | BENCHES
Building threshold to patio is sheltered to allow residents’ eyes time to adjust to change in lighting levels
Shutters and feature plants (Aloe plicatilis) create landmarks to aid wayfinding
Gardens are located where they can be easily viewed to encourage residents to venture outside
Materials – limestone, wicker, terracotta – and Australian native & Mediterranean plants are familiar to age and culture of residents
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Intermittently placed waist-height limestone walls and planter boxes enable residents to rest or balance themselves as they move throughout the garden
Seating located at regular intervals for resting
Sunny sitting areas for use in winter minimise temperature change between indoors and outside
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High levels of contrast between colours and shapes of plants meets needs of visually impaired residents
Plants attract native birds, animals and insects
Children’s play equipment encourages interaction between family members and residents
Large open areas for group activities with seating for passive engagement
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Fences are screened with plants to minimise feelings of enclosure and create a more home-like environment
Paths are level, smooth, slip-resistant and low glare
Paths are edged with darker colour to support wayfinding and define change from paving to garden bed
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Water garden engages hearing, touch and sight to calm residents
Quiet, shaded, passive areas of refuge provide personal space away from larger group activities
Low maintenance plants require less water and fertilisers
Main path leads people with dementia along a journey of discovery, linking small and large garden spaces and focal elements of interest
Raised garden beds allow residents to easily touch, smell and taste plants. All plants are non-poisonous, non-toxic.
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Ramp allows wheelchair users to easily access raised deck
Men’s shed brings together residents, carers and family members
Male residents can engage in purposeful activities tinkering in the shed with tools, wood and metal fixings
Tools, garden implements, sound on the tin roof, smell of oil-soaked rags evokes memories of resident’ pasts
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Lockable cupboard to be managed by carers