The enclosed garden area includes plants chosen for their textures, colours and smells, as well as the memories often associated with flowers such as roses and lavender.

Thyme was chosen for its strong, sweet smell and Lamb's Ear for the way it feels.

St Francis has constructed a pathway through the garden to allow the residents to enjoy the new space.

Manager Sharon Hesse said the land had been underutilised, now through the sensory garden residents with dementia could bring back memories or recognition.

"Residents living with dementia don't produce new memories, however their old memories are still there and recoverable," she said.

"You can see it on their faces when they touch something. It brings back joy, and that is very special."

St Francis has also developed a seated section with a brightly coloured parrot sculpture and a water feature with dyed water for visual stimulation.

"The residents love it. They go for a walk on the pathway and then have their morning tea in the seated area," Ms Hesse said.