Dementia-Friendly Gardening: How to Create a Safe Outdoor Space for People with Dementia

Did you know older adults who spend time gardening often enjoy better brain health as they age?

However, a survey by Dementia Adventure revealed 70% of people with dementia spend less – if any – time in the garden after being diagnosed.  

There’s no denying the benefits of gardening for everyone – especially people affected by dementia.

So, we’ve rounded up some information and advice to help your loved one or care home residents with dementia to get into the garden and enjoy all of the rewards for their mental and physical health.

In this blog post, you’ll learn:

• The benefits of gardening for dementia
• How to create a dementia-friendly outdoor space
• Types of gardening activities for all stages of dementia

Mental and physical benefits of gardening for people living with dementia

Here are just a few of the physical and mental benefits of gardening at home or in a shared outdoor space.

• Less agitation and anxiety
• Improved mood
• Better sleep
• Enhanced quality of life 
• Gives a sense of purpose and pride
• Boosts self-esteem
• Manageable form of physical activity to stay active
• Encourages gentle social interaction 
• Sensory stimulation (through different scents and textures) has a relaxing effect.

How to create a dementia-friendly outdoor space

So, with all of those benefits to be had, how do you go about creating a safe, dementia-friendly space to enjoy together?

Follow these tips to create or adapt your outdoor space. 

Focus on familiarity

When planning your garden and planting seeds, go for traditional plants, colours, and garden layouts that will spark positive – and possibly even nostalgic – memories. 

Raised beds or pots with classic herbs and flowers like lavender, rosemary, and marigolds work really well.

Keep it simple and accessible

If you have the chance to plan the layout, opt for wide, flat pathways that loop back on each other instead of dead-ends.

Avoid clutter and distractions, so it’s easy to wander around without getting confused. You could also add some visual cues like clear signs, pots in dementia-friendly colours, as well as benches and arches to help with wayfinding.

Include dementia-friendly features 

Think about seating areas with nice views for relaxing, plenty of shade and shelter (gazebos and pergolas are a great choice), water features and bird feeders for calming sounds, and raised beds for easy tending.

Safety first

Keep your gardeners safe by avoiding toxic plants, uneven/gravelly pathways which could cause a fall, and any dark patches of ground that could feel like holes for people with dementia.

Make sure your garden area is easy to access and navigate, adding in a ramp and railings if necessary.

Choose sensory garden design 

Sensory garden design is important because it stimulates memory, soothes anxiety, and encourages meaningful connection with the natural world – especially for people living with dementia.

• For sight, use contrasting colours, bright flowers, and visual landmarks..
• For smell, focus on scented herbs and fragrant flowers with nostalgic scents.
• For sound, think about adding wind chimes, gentle water features, or bird feeders to encourage calming bird song.
• For touch, vary textures and include soft, tactile plants like ferns.
• For taste, plant some fruits, vegetables and herbs you can taste together like strawberries, tomatoes, and mint.

Simple horticultural activities to boost wellbeing

Try this simple gardening activities to build confidence and enjoy gentle movement.

• Sowing seeds and seedlings
• Watering plants and flowers
• Weeding raised beds
• Harvesting fruit and vegetables
• Arranging herbs
• Sweeping pathways
• Deadheading flowers

No garden? No problem 

If you’re lacking space, don’t worry – you can still enjoy all of the benefits for yourself. 

Look into community gardens in your area, or get your name on the list for an allotment to create your own space to visit.

What’s your experience of gardening with dementia? Is it something that’s brought fulfilment into your life, or is it an activity you’re keen to explore?

We’d love to hear from you – come and join the conversation on Facebook or Instagram.

At A Good Day, we believe joy and connection shouldn’t disappear after diagnosis. Explore our dementia-friendly games and activities, or be inspired by dementia-friendly care home activities, simple outdoors activities, and nature-based activities.