Date: 4 November 2016

After months of planning and work to prepare the space and materials, Whiddon Casino hosted a community planting day where residents, local school children and the community came together to complete a beautiful oasis to delight the senses.

The day included activities, lunch and the chance for generations to come together to create a wonderful and inviting new space to be enjoyed by many for years to come.

The project was part of a Whiddon competition where teams from across our homes in regional, rural and remote NSW submitted ideas for projects to enhance environmental culture in our homes, making them more dementia friendly and in turn, improving the quality of life to residents with dementia.

The Casino team were thrilled to win this competition with their plan to create a dream garden for residents!

The sensory garden will provide opportunities for residents to feel closer to nature, more socially connected and enjoy familiar smells, sights, touches, sounds and tastes. The striking centrepiece of the garden, a three tier marble fountain, has running water to provide a calming and relaxing backdrop.

The garden features bird and butterfly plants, a wind chime wall, aromatic plants and herbs, and a range of sculpture and art, including nostalgic pieces to help spark memories for our residents.

Bunnings Warehouse Lismore has generously come on board donating plants, wind chimes, an outdoor table setting, sun-shades and benches, and a team of Bunnings staff that assisted with planting. The project is also supported by Friends of Cedars who kindly raised funds for the centrepiece.

The space will provide a place for relaxation, connection, celebration and reflection. The support from our local community to bring this concept to life, makes it even more meaningful.