For many of us, stepping outside into a garden instantly makes us feel calmer, brighter and more connected to the world around us. The same is true in aged care. Outdoor spaces designed with purpose, known as sensory gardens, can do far more than look pretty. They can lift spirits, spark memories, encourage gentle movement and create special moments between residents, families and staff. Unlike a standard garden, sensory gardens are created to engage all five senses. Think fragrant lavender, the sound of water trickling, textured leaves to touch, or fresh herbs to pick and taste. We’ll explore what makes sensory gardens so powerful, the benefits they bring, and how aged care providers can design outdoor spaces that truly nurture.

A sensory garden is a purpose-designed outdoor space that engages sight, sound, smell, touch and taste through planting, surfaces and features. Every element, from plant choice and textures underfoot to water movement and herbs to taste, has been planned to stimulate, soothe, or cue wayfinding and activity. They offer many benefits:

• Physical wellbeing and mobility: Gentle movement supports mobility, balance and confidence. Safe, even surfaces, graded slopes and frequent resting points can also help reduce fall risk. A 2022 systematic review reported improvements in physical function and quality of life among older adults participating in horticultural programs.
• Cognitive stimulation and reminiscence: Sights, smells, and sounds can trigger memories and start conversations. For example, the smell of rosemary or the sound of running water might remind someone of their past. These simple prompts are especially helpful for people living with dementia, giving them comfort and focus.
• Emotional and mental health: Being around greenery naturally lowers stress and boosts mood. Just sitting outside can help residents feel calmer and more positive. Studies show that time in gardens can ease feelings of sadness and anxiety, making everyday life feel brighter.
• Social connection and purpose: Gardens bring people together. They encourage visits from family, school groups and volunteers. Activities like watering plants, picking herbs, or simply sitting side by side give residents easy ways to connect and share experiences.

Designing a sensory garden isn’t just about planting flowers. It’s about creating a safe, welcoming space where residents can relax, move around easily, and enjoy the outdoors every day.

Safe and Easy to Walk Around

• Paths should be wide, flat, and loop back to the start so no one gets stuck at a dead end.
• Handrails and clear edges make it easier for people with limited mobility.
• Non-slip surfaces prevent falls.

Comfortable Places to Rest

• Seats should be close together so residents can stop and rest often.
• A mix of sunny and shady spots gives comfort in all seasons.
• Armrests help with getting up and down safely.

Plants for the Senses

• See: Bright, colourful flowers and seasonal changes keep the garden interesting.
• Smell: Lavender, citrus, or gardenias give off pleasant scents.
• Touch: Soft plants like lamb’s ear or textured bark encourage gentle exploring.
• Taste: Herbs, fruit trees, and raised veggie beds add flavour and fun.
• Hear: Grasses that rustle or water features that trickle create soothing sounds.

Familiar and Homelike Touches

• Adding a veggie patch, a clothesline, or a letterbox makes the garden feel like home.
• These small details remind residents of their daily routines and past experiences.

Respecting Culture and Personal History

• Ask residents and families about plants or features that are meaningful to them.
• Include herbs, flowers, or symbols from different cultures to make everyone feel included.

Across Australia, more aged care providers are embracing sensory gardens as part of their care model. HammondCare has introduced them in its dementia villages, creating homelike outdoor areas with fragrant herbs, winding paths and shaded resting spots. Whiddon has also added landscaped gardens and outdoor activity spaces across its homes in New South Wales and Queensland, encouraging residents to enjoy nature every day. Even smaller facilities are getting involved, using raised garden beds, potting benches, and bird-friendly plants to transform courtyards into meaningful spaces.

Sensory gardens turn outdoor areas into living therapy spaces to move, notice, reminisce, and connect. With clear evidence for mood, engagement and quality of life, and with Australian design guidance now in place, there’s never been a better time to bring nature to the heart of aged care. Start with one loop path, one herb bed, one shaded bench, and build from there, guided by residents’ stories and senses.