Sensory garden a blooming good idea

Delegates attending the 14th Alzheimer’s Australia national conference on dementia in Brisbane are being invited to put down roots in the city - by buying a plant for the conference sensory garden which will be donated later to facilities damaged by the state’s recent floods.

"It is well known that people with dementia - indeed most people - respond well to being in a garden environment, and that being surrounded by plants and flowers can give a real sense of wellbeing," says conference chair Marianne Gevers.

"One of the features of the 14th Alzheimer's Australia national conference will be a sensory garden that is designed to provide a gentle respite from the conference proceedings as well as educating delegates about the healing power of plants."

"For only a few dollars delegates will be able to donate a plant to the garden that can be enjoyed during the conference while also helping to rejuvenate facilities in Brisbane that were so badly affected by the floods."

Plants may be bought online here, or at the time of registration. Donors will be recognised by a 'roll of honour' at the garden site during the conference.

The Alzheimer's Australia 14th national conference will be held at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre from 17 to 20 May, under the theme take a different view.

Ms Gevers says, "We hope the donated garden plants will also help people to take a different view - one that replaces the mud and destruction of the recent floods with the beauty of living plants for people with dementia and those who care for them back in their own environments."

"Contributing to the garden is such a simple way for people to feel good while providing a lasting gift to others."