However, until now, patients at the memory support unit at Nazareth House weren’t afforded that luxury. 

On Saturday, volunteers from the Ballarat Permaculture Guild gathered to create a fruit and vegetable garden for residents on the dementia ward. 

Four wicking boxes, designed to house anything from strawberries to lettuce, were installed in the outside area at Nazareth House. 

Guild member Althea Oliver said having a garden and being outside would “enrich the lives” of the patients.

“We’re trying to create a more sustainable, friendly place to live,” she said. 

Nazareth House well-being and lifestyle co-ordinator Trish Lawson said the garden was part of a plan to promote “life as they remember it” to residents.

“They can walk around, pick fruit and vegetables and do what they want,” she said.

“We’re trying to move away from the clinical environment and make it more homely for the residents.”

Ms Lawson said the feedback from residents was fantastic. 

One resident, who can’t be named, said the garden was a wonderful idea.