The Haven's new Sensory Garden is open

At the end of May, the new Sensory Garden at the Henfield Haven was opened by local celebrity and Haven customer Rohan Dewdney. Haven volunteers, staff and trustees enjoyed the sunshine and celebration cake and admired the artwork created by Haven customers. The garden is a safe space for customers to enjoy in all weathers, with raised beds containing colourful plants, many of which taste and smell wonderful!

The idea of a sensory garden came about last year, when Henfield Haven trustees met with Haven staff for tea and a chat. At the meeting high needs carer Emma Seers, who is an experienced care professional, came up with an idea – to create a free-flow space for Haven customers which would extend their environment and experiences to the outdoors. Emma recognised that many high needs dementia customers experience enjoyment, calm and happiness through touch, sound, and smell, and that often memories can be sparked by simple, familiar tasks which are connected to nature.

Haven Trustee Trevor Hodgson took the lead on the project, exploring ideas and chatting to outside companies who quickly offered to assist with generous offers of help. Trevor’s wife Liz leads the Garden Team at the Haven, and she took over organising the design of the raised beds and the planting practicalities.

Trevor said: “The whole project has been collaborative, between local businesses, volunteers and the staff and customers themselves, putting forward their ideas. It’s a reflection of what we aim for at the Haven; making sure our high needs customers are a valued part of our village. We were thrilled to have Rohan cutting the ribbon, he and Anne were the first of the Haven’s Ground Force customers (where a team of green-fingered volunteers visit local people who are struggling to keep their gardens tidy). We know this glorious space will be used and enjoyed every day.” 

Fencing was installed by local builder and friend of the Haven Nigel Parsons, who then used sleepers provided by AVS Fencing to make the high raised beds which were filled with Olus organic top-soil and compost donated by Heritage Products. Then the special gate was installed by Bank House Gates. This wonderful community support, from local businesses owned and run by Henfield people, allowed the garden to be completed in record time and at an affordable price. There was also grant funding from Horsham District Council, who are always incredibly supportive of the Haven.

Then the fun part! Planting lots of green things that smell and taste nice, pretty colours and fast-growing projects to keep customers engaged. Turf was rolled out on a rainy (and muddy!) day, and finally the garden was ready to open. Complete with its own potting area, seating, wheelchair-friendly paths and terrace with cover for those English rainy days, the garden is a perfect addition to an already near-perfect Henfield Haven.

Emma explained more: “Although the Haven already has a wonderful garden connected to our Café, where customers, visitors and carers can enjoy the sunshine with their coffee, we really wanted a safe space for our customers to enjoy with confidence in the company of our staff or volunteers.

“Everyone, including our wheelchair users and those with less mobility, can get outside in the fresh air either to grow and plant, or just sit in the shade and enjoy.”

Emma Cole