From dreams to reality: The Sensory Garden at Huis Aristea is underway!

From dreams to reality: The Sensory Garden at Huis Aristea is underway!

After years of only hoping, wishing and manifesting, we are thrilled to finally share that our dream of creating a Sensory Garden at Aristea Home for the Elderly in Durbanville, is finally being realised.

Thanks to the tireless work of Pieter and his team from De Smit Strukture (especially Naison!), miraculous transformation has been taking place at Aristea: Paths are being carefully laid, creating inviting walkways for residents to enjoy a leisurely stroll amidst the beauty of nature. A charming seating area is also taking shape under a majestic tree, providing a tranquil spot for relaxation and connection with the outdoors. The rose garden, overlooked by the frail care dining hall, promises to be absolutely spectacular. We are beyond grateful to Ludwig Roses for the donation of 40 stunning roses. We can’t wait for the first blooms!

But, the apple of our eye will surely be our long-awaited “Reflection Corner”: This secluded area, designed for quiet reflection, will soon feature a stunning fountain and comfortable benches, offering a peaceful retreat for the residents. We're super excited to continue our partnership with artist Alani Nel, who will bring our vision to life with something extra special: A hand-painted artwork above the fountain! This incredibly special space would not have been possible without a very generous donation from our friends, Judy and Gary Kelly. THANK YOU!

We hope to soon host a special day to introduce the area to the residents and all our amazing sponsors and volunteers - watch this space! In the meantime, we plan to keep working hard to ensure that the garden will grow into a vibrant, serene and functional space that promises to enhance the mental and emotional well-being of everyone at Aristea.

Our heartfelt thanks to the following sponsors that also contributed to making this dream a reality:

Pieter Marais from Marais Bouers
JH Karstens Transport
Jacques Gelderblom from Living Gardens Landscaping
Durbanville C.A.N.

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Before and now: The seating area under the tree promises to be a show-stopper! It will soon be an easy-to-navigate crusher dust surface, surrounded by lush flowerbeds. Cool in the summer, cosily warm in the winter, it will be a beautiful and functional space!
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Naison, the superstar!
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The rose garden: Look at the progress made in less than a month! Soon to boast a central feature fountain and the lovely roses, donated by Ludwig's Roses.
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Before and now: A path extends all the way from the rose garden to the secluded area that will soon be the Reflection Corner.
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Juanita (The One Percent Movement) and Alani (Canvasations) check out the site for the soon-to-be fountain in the Reflection Corner. Alani is going to create an original artwork here that will beautifully round off this special area.
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In case you missed it, go take a look at our recent collaborative projects with Alani and Canvasations:

Mandela Day at Fisantekraal Primary with Vusi the worm

Creativity and compassion with the Fisantekraal "Food Fundies"

Please consider donating towards our valuable work:

The One Percent Movement
FNB 62924632749 (Gold Business)
Branch: 250655
Swift code: FIRNZAJJ

If you would like more information on our current projects or want to get involved, please contact Juanita Berry:
juanita@essentiallynatural.co.za
073 274 1915