Residents at a Wrexham care home have helped transform an underused part of its grounds into a new sensory garden.
The Red Admiral Sensory Garden at Broughton Hall Care Home was officially opened by the Mayor of Wrexham, Cllr Jeremy Kent, on Saturday, August 22.
Residents, relatives, friends and staff attended the opening, which also featured music from local performer Andy Snowden, drinks and a barbecue.
The idea for the garden was first raised at a residents’ and relatives’ meeting in 2024, with plans beginning to take shape the following spring.
Activities coordinator Jodie Hollinrake led the 12-month project, with residents helping decide what the garden should include and taking part in activities such as painting rocks, making garden signs and creating bug houses from recycled cans.
Jodie said: “Working with the residents to create a space they could enjoy and feel involved with was always the goal.”
The project also received support through Culture in Care, an Arts Council of Wales-funded initiative.
Jodie worked with artist Ffion Evans, residents and maintenance team member Rob to build a wheelchair-accessible planter from recycled pallet wood, with residents helping to cut, paint and assemble it.
A new patio was laid to improve accessibility, while the finished garden also includes a potting shed, pergola, archway, trellis, apple tree and herb beds.
Residents helped sow seeds and paint the shed and planters, and also visited Bellis Garden Centre to choose herbs for the space.
The garden has been designed to stimulate sight, sound, smell and touch, with features including a water feature, wind chimes, colourful plants, wildlife areas and fragrant herbs.
It was named the Red Admiral Sensory Garden after red admiral butterflies were regularly spotted visiting during the project.
Residents and their families also supported the work through fundraising for the home’s comfort fund, while the daughter of one resident donated a number of plants and helped with planting.
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Jodie said: “I hope it brings joy and promotes the well-being of residents and staff, now and for many years to come.
“Seeing the Mayor cut the ribbon was a very special moment. A few of the residents and I shed tears of joy.”
The garden will now provide residents with an accessible space to relax, garden and spend time outdoors.
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