Memory Gardens

Over 4.5 million Americans suffer from Alzheimer’s Disease, a degenerative brain disorder characterized by memory loss and disorientation. Although the progression of the disease can vary, most people live for several years after they are diagnosed.

Gardens designed to enhance the quality of life for Alzheimer’s patients, or memory gardens, can be found at nursing homes, senior centers, city parks and private residences. These gardens use fragrances and other sensory stimulation to help trigger memories.

Safety First

Creating a safe, accessible environment should be your first priority when designing a memory garden. Paths should be wide enough for wheelchairs and need to be slip resistant for unsteady walkers. Installing both high and low railings will help people with different mobility levels navigate the area. Walkways should be well lit and free of tripping hazards.

Choose nontoxic species of plants for memory gardens. Any plants that are poisonous when eaten or have painful thorns should be avoided or placed where they cannot be touched. Keep the lower branches of trees trimmed to help prevent collisions or contact with the skin. Water features should be fenced off to reduce the chance of accidents.

Aromas from the Past

For many people, smells provide strong links to the past. Memory gardens that are filled with traditional and old-fashioned aromatic plants may help participants remember past events or regain some memory loss. Plants with distinctive fragrances include lavender, lilac, mint, marigolds, roses and oregano.

In addition, consider making other common smells an occasional feature in a memory garden. Brew a pot of fresh coffee nearby or take out a loaf of freshly baked bread. These odors may make a stroll through the memory garden an even more enriching experience.

Stimulate the Senses

Along with common smells, including the light tinkling of wind chimes or the patter of a small fountain can help create a nurturing atmosphere in a memory garden. To help avoid stress from over stimulation, put sound features on opposite ends of the garden and leave some areas private and completely free from noise.

The light display from a prism or the movement of a whirligig can also make the garden more enticing. Remember to make any garden element as safe as possible. If a decoration is removable or breakable, place it in an inaccessible location.

Tactile Experiences

Some participants may enjoy a more active role in the memory garden. Whenever possible, try to include the opportunity for hands-on activities, especially those that participants may have done when they were younger. Simple, repetitive tasks such as snapping green beans, sorting seeds and washing fruit often work best with Alzheimer’s patients.

An Indoor Memory Garden

Enjoying a memory garden does not have to be limited to warm sunny days. Even one or two carefully chosen plants can fill a room with fragrance. It is easy to become acclimated to and no longer notice a smell after a while, so do not just leave a plant in the living area. Instead, bring a plant into the room for an hour or two. If the memory loss participant seems irritated by the smell or the presence of the plant, remove it immediately.

A thoughtfully designed indoor or outdoor area can provide a safe gardening experience for Alzheimer’s patients. Stimulating fragrances, sounds and activities, as well as quiet areas for reflection, are standard elements for a memory garden and go a long way in helping those who suffer from memory loss.

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