MCH Charity is proud to officially open a brand-new, purpose-designed dementia garden at Leighton Hospital – a therapeutic outdoor space created specifically to support the wellbeing of people living with dementia.
The carefully designed garden, located adjacent to the hospital’s Care of the Elderly ward, offers a safe and calming environment where patients can benefit from fresh air, sensory stimulation, social interaction and moments of quiet reflection.
One of the key design features is a ‘figure of eight’ path which flows around flower beds, allowing patients to keep moving without the need to make confusing decisions. The walking surface has subtle flecks of green—chosen because green is often the last colour that people living with dementia retain the ability to see—while the main seating area is plain to create a sense of calm and contrast.
The garden is a rich sensory experience throughout the year. Evergreen plants provide structure, while seasonal planting—from spring bulbs to summer herbaceous blooms, autumn foliage and the silver bark of birch trees in winter—offers constant visual interest and a strong sense of time. Large multi-stemmed Silver Birch trees add height and beauty, and the garden is filled with colour and texture from carefully chosen pots and sensory herbs, which are labelled to stimulate memory and conversation.
As well as a spacious seating area for group activities, the garden includes more secluded seating areas to allow for quiet reflection and privacy. Cleverly designed screening ensures the garden feels open and inviting, while also remaining safe and secure, with no visible gate to discourage wandering.
This special project has been years in the making, driven by the dedication of Mid Cheshire Hospitals Charity and made possible by the generosity of community fundraisers.
"This is a garden I’ve dreamed of for years, and seeing it finally brought to life is incredibly special," said Emma Robertson, Head of Mid Cheshire Hospitals Charity. "We’re so grateful to all of our generous community and staff fundraisers who have made it possible. It’s been wonderful to have one of our long-time supporters, Tim Ashcroft, join us for today’s launch—he has fundraised tirelessly for the dementia appeal for the past eight years."
The official opening was held on Tuesday 17th June, giving guests the chance to explore the garden, meet with staff and patients, and celebrate a meaningful improvement in care for those living with dementia at Leighton Hospital.
