Once upon a Time there was a Shelter

Once upon a time, there was a shelter - inspired by the Anderson shelters of the past, once symbols of safety, family life, and everyday resilience. This garden celebrates stories and experiences shared by people living with Alzheimer's and their loved ones. The journey begins with comforting, familiar sights. Edible planting and dandelions evoke childhood play and self-sufficiency, recalling gardens where vegetables were grown and routines were grounded in the familiar. As visitors move through the space, the planting begins to change. Grasses sway gently, introducing movement and a sense of uncertainty as memory starts to soften.

A graceful steel arc planter echoes the walls and roof of an Anderson shelter, its form tapering away to mark the transition from clear recollection to a more sensory way of remembering. At the far end, an apple tree stands - a symbol of continuity and connection. A simple seat offers a place to pause and reflect, while materials throughout the garden - corrugated steel, timber, and familiar planting - quietly reinforce the idea that although memory may change, connection endures.