Chirk Court Care Home near Wrexham received a letter from Buckingham Palace, written by the King’s head of royal correspondence, commending the project and sending “warmest good wishes to all.”
The sensory garden was officially opened in May and designed to stimulate the senses and evoke positive emotions for residents, many of whom are living with dementia.
Jane Humphreys, manager of Chirk Court and the driving force behind the project, said: “The garden isn’t just a space, it’s part of our commitment to person centred care.
“Seeing the reactions of our residents and their loved ones when they visit the garden is reward enough.
“So, receiving the letter of recognition from Buckingham Palace was the icing on the cake.”
King Charles expressed that he “trusts that the sensory garden will enhance the well-being, and foster a deeper connection with nature, for all those who spend time in it.”
The garden features a range of sensory elements designed to support memory, wellbeing and relaxation.
Among its key features are accessible pathways, soothing wind chimes, water features, fragrant planting, eye-catching features, raised beds ideal for wheelchair users, and inclusive, relaxing spaces.
The project was a team effort, with staff at Chirk Court leading fundraising efforts to bring the garden to life.
Practical elements were coordinated by Ms Humphreys and activities co-ordinator Nicola Hughes.
The care home also received support from Keep Wales Tidy, whose community grants helped fund the allotment and raised beds.
Ms Humphreys was invited to speak at the Care Show in Birmingham, where she took part in a seminar covering: Getting Outdoor Spaces Right: Design, Use and Impact.
She said: “I loved the experience of speaking at the Care Show, Birmingham.
“It’s a huge privilege to be able to inspire other care professionals to
“We have seen some wonderful benefits of the sensory garden.
“That’s why plans are afoot to develop some more land at Chirk Court and create even more opportunities for our residents to embrace nature, so watch this space.”
Visit: Chirk Court – Clwydalyn for more information about living at Chirk Court.
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