Landscape Gardens That Provide Seasonal Splendour

Set in two acres of landscaped gardens, KYN BICKLEY features a games lawn, orchard, tranquillity garden, two terraces, and a vegetable and fruit patch. An apothecary's, a form of garden where healing herbs and plants are grown, has also been incorporated to boost physical and emotional health, as well as mood and cognitive health.

The terraces and herbaceous borders reflect KYN’s architectural style, while winding pathways framed by pergolas lead residents to the sensory garden and orchard. Routes around the garden are circular in nature and are designed to encompass a broad variety of experiences with heightened sensory features and lots of light, textures, colours, sights, scents and sounds to create a tranquil atmosphere.

One standout feature will be its sensory garden – designed to help residents boost their wellbeing, and even inspire reminiscence of memories and sensations for those living with dementia. As part of its pioneering approach to care, KYN commissioned Andy Pringle from LUC, an award-winning environmental consultancy, to design a unique sensory garden to improve residents’ physical and emotional health and enrich the lives of those living with dementia.

The terraces and herbaceous borders reflect KYN’s architectural style, while winding pathways framed by pergolas lead residents to the sensory garden and orchard. Routes around the garden are circular in nature and are designed to encompass a broad variety of experiences with heightened sensory features and lots of light, textures, colours, sights, scents and sounds to create a tranquil atmosphere.  

Pringle explains: “The garden is designed to appeal to all the senses. Colours are seasonal, placed for maximum contrast, or grouped in clusters. Energising hues are carefully balanced with oak garden furniture features with a natural finish, to avoid overstimulation that can cause distress to those living with dementia. As well as the soothing sounds of nature; bees buzzing, birds singing, the wind rustling through plants, the LUC team has chosen plants with evocative smells such as thyme, rosemary and jasmine.”   

Around 900,000 people currently live with dementia in the UK, with many more undiagnosed. KYN is committed to playing its part in establishing ways to improve the wellbeing of its residents who live with the condition, without compromising on quality.  

Emma Hewat, Head of Dementia at KYN comments, “People living with dementia can struggle with memory, but sensory challenges – such as impaired vision and hearing – can also create difficulties. There are many studies that demonstrate the power of being outdoors for those living with dementia. Access to fresh air, sunshine and natural light are important for wellbeing as well as helping to maintain our body clocks and vitamin D levels, which is why the garden is such an important focal point of KYN BICKLEY.”  

 To encourage outdoor activities for residents, KYN BICKLEY offers a range of relaxing sensory experiences for those with a passion for gardening. Elevated pots and flower beds enable easier access for keen gardeners who may have limited dexterity and mobility. Residents will also be able to collect flowers from the garden and use them in pressed flower art as part of KYN’s life-enriching activities. Touching and feeling the petals and smelling the pressed flowers creates an immersive experience that encourages sensory interaction to develop and improve the senses. They’re further encouraged to undertake reminiscence sessions, with the topics around plants and flowers, recalling favourite plants and the stories associated with gardening and flowers, for example.  

To find out more please visit www.kyn.co.uk