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Gardening with Dementia: The power of nature and the outdoors

Gardening implements arranged by the patio door including a birdbox, a trowel and fork, a brush, gardening gloves and leopard print wellingtons

What’s on offer?

A photographic exhibition that celebrates the powerful connection between home and garden for people living with dementia in Northwest England. The exhibition is a partnership between the Royal Horticultural Society, The University of Manchester and Lancaster University and shows how people living with dementia use and access their garden over each season of the year. The exhibition also includes quotes by people living with dementia about their garden and the importance of being outdoors.   

The exhibition is located adjacent to the Wellbeing Garden at The Royal Horticultural Society Bridgewater Garden in Worsley, Salford. 

What’s it about?

Join us for a compelling photographic exhibition as we explore the crucial topic of ‘Gardening with dementia: the power of nature and the outdoors’. Curated by Rita Newton, with the support of the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS), we showcase how people living with dementia spend time in the gardens at home.  

Spread over 5 display boards sited outdoors adjacent to the Wellbeing Garden at RHS Bridgewater we capture the changing seasons and the continued or new interest in the garden by people living with dementia.  

By attending this exhibition, you will have opportunity to reflect on the powerful effects of being outdoors for people living with dementia, and the important continuity in everyday roles and responsibilities, including gardening. 

Who’s leading the event?

Rita Newton, ESRC CASE PhD student, The University of Manchester 

Open to

Everyone is welcome to attend this outdoor exhibition. For visitors who live in Salford, RHS Bridgewater is free to attend (see booking details below). 

Of particular interest to

Salford residents with lived experience of dementia including those with a diagnosis, their families and carers.

Event Booking details

Tickets for RHS Bridgewater can be booked in advance, or on the day at the garden. Further information is available at: https://www.rhs.org.uk/gardens/bridgewater/plan-your-visit 

Entrance to the garden is free for Salford residents every Tuesday. Pre-booking is required (either via the RHS website or by telephoning 0161 503 6100). Proof of address for each Salford resident must be shown on arrival. 

TRAVEL: Find out different ways to get to RHS Bridgewater here.

ACCESSIBILITY: To help you plan your visit you can find information about RHS Bridgewater here