Sensory gardens offer a wide range of benefits for people of all ages and those living with dementia: Digging in the dirt and helping create a garden can help someone living with dementia to find purpose and peace. Gardens are a place that can bring joy and contentment, a place for self-expression, purpose and belonging.

Gardens can provide a link to memories of people and places and also a place for healing.

About 10 years ago Andy’s wife Jackie noticed some changes. Andy started to leave his keys in the door, or outside, or he’d leave doors open completely.

An eventual diagnosis of early onset dementia was bittersweet and Andy began to look at the world, and his place in it, differently.

For one, he’d never been interested in gardening. In 2014, however, Andy stepped out of his comfort zone and became a Chorus gardening volunteer. Moving from paid work as a truck driver to raking, weeding and mowing lawns as a volunteer for the community were new activities for Andy. And his attitude changed. Through gardening Andy has found comradery, friendships, skills, exercise and a delay in his symptoms, but it’s the impact he has on people around him that is most profound.

“Andy comes into people’s lives and walks away leaving them with the confidence and motivation to continue to give back and participate in life.”

Chorus Gardening Team

Andy’s story

“I make the best of life - it’s not as bad as everyone thinks.”

“I was a very negative person

but I turned myself around to be

more positive.”

Gardens bring joy and contentment.

A place for self-expression, purpose, belonging and healing. The Chorus Kaleidoscope Garden is a symbol of regeneration that teaches about life, loss, discovery and hope.

Our garden has been designed for people of all ages and abilities, with a particular focus on people living with dementia. Gardening can help someone living with dementia to find purpose and peace. It can also evoke memories of people and places.

We hope you can experience something special in our garden. Take time to wander through the sensory garden beds: smell, taste, listen and delight in the explosion of colours and aromas.

Digging in the dirt

When people meet us they notice something different.

• We treat every person with respect;• We connect communities;• We make things work.

We understand people don’t live in a vacuum: they live in communities – cities, towns and neighbourhoods, amid networks, clubs, friends and families. While many observe a loss of community spirit, we see an abundance of goodwill and available resources every day.

Our approach is to get results by being creative and courageous in connecting people. In their homes. In their gardens.

Chorus A fresh approach to community service

Thanks to our sponsors

How we support people in the community

Supp

orted

Volunt

eering

Corporate

VolunteeringStudent

VolunteeringInd

ividual

Volunte

ering

Support Finding Work

& Housing

Disability Support

HealthyMeals

Gardening & Water Wise

Companionship, Social Activities & Day Centres

Home & Outdoor

Maintenance

HouseholdSupport &

Personal Care

Assessment Services

Door-To-Door Transport Services

Mental Health Recovery Support

e: hello@chorus.org.aut: 1800 264 268