Oldest resident opens sensory garden at Branksome Heights
Ida Rossey, at 99 the oldest resident at Branksome Heights, had the honour of officially opening Namaste Haven, a new sensory garden at her care home.
Before she ceremonially cut a ribbon, Lynne Petty, manager of the Kingsley Healthcare run home in Branksome Wood Road, Bournemouth, read aloud a prayer of dedication.
Mrs Petty, who was joined at the opening by deputy manager Jackie Whitemore and lifestyle coordinator Tracey Goodman, said: “We have named the garden Namaste Haven because we feel this expresses the feeling of peace and natural light that has been created.”
She said following the installation of a lift from the home’s sun terrace, improving accessibility to the lower gardens, they had worked on a plan for the open space.
“The new garden does not disappoint. A water feature creates a calm and tranquil atmosphere capturing reflections of the space around and there are chimes and mobiles hanging along the pathways of sandstone,” she said.
“There is toned paving that looks beautiful on rainy days and sunken lights that give a magical feel as the darkness closes in.
“We have two raised beds that all residents can plant that contain aromatic herbs and grasses giving a sensory experience. This is a garden for everyone for all times and all seasons.”
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Author: Stephen Pullinger
