A garden for the senses

Marten House is an Extra Care scheme in Burgess Hill for frail older people. The back garden was largely unused as it was uncultivated and hard to access. A new garden was talked about, but little happened.

Step forward new resident Lillian Futcher, who took on the challenge of raising the necessary money. She approached local businesses and also set up a stall at emergency services’ open days.

Mrs Futcher soon raised a magnificent £3,000. With £8,000 needed overall, we were happy to step in with the remainder.

The plan is for the garden to contain plants that stimulate all the senses. Water features and plants like bamboo that rustle in the wind will add sound stimulation, there’ll be herb and vegetable plants for taste and smell and there’ll also be plants with varying textures to stimulate the sense of touch. And like any garden worthy of the name, there’ll be lots to look at!

Residents and their families are also being generous with their money and time to help get the garden growing, so a big thank you to them, and, of course, to Mrs Futcher.