Putting their skills to use, six inmates are working on the project – co-ordinated by Riverina Institute of TAFE horticultural teacher Warwick Grant – to provide a place for dementia patients for therapy.

Nursing unit manager Gaye Ramsay said the benefits of sensory gardens were well-documented, including increasing the awareness of the senses, which has a calming effect on patients.

“We are looking forward to this valuable asset to our therapeutic facility and we are very appreciative of this reciprocal arrangement with the Junee Correctional Centre, as without their help this innovation would never have eventuated,” she said.

The project includes landscaping and building of outdoor structures including gazebos, covered walkways and planter boxes.

“These will be planted with a selection of seasonal vegetables and aromatic plants such as lavender, rosemary and thyme as well as many other varieties of plants that may be familiar to the patients from their home gardens,” she said.

The project assists the inmates in their Certificate II in horticultural studies.