Award winning landscape designer Paul Pritchard will present his next show garden ‘Nostalgia’ created in support of Dementia Australia and in honour of his father who lived with Alzheimer's disease, at the upcoming Melbourne International Flower and Garden show.
Following an extensive planning process, Mr Pritchard has designed a vibrant space with a nostalgic feel which aims to bring attention to dementia and its impact on the community.
“I explored several concepts, but the final design took shape after the passing of my father to Alzheimer’s disease in May last year, making this garden especially meaningful to my family and I,” Mr Pritchard said.
“We hope to transport visitors back to a time when homeowners took great pride in creating their own slice of paradise. Through vibrant colours in both the plant life and the built structure, we aim to evoke nostalgia, spark joy and inspire fond memories of this cherished era.
“The garden project is inspired by mid-century Australian residential aesthetics, reflecting the spirit of proud homeowners who dedicated their weekends to gardening. This initiative is rooted in the tradition of my family and the broader community, many of whom are now dealing with challenges like dementia.
“By honouring this legacy, the garden aims to raise awareness for caregivers and support networks assisting those living with dementia.”
Mr Pritchard has been a landscape designer creating bespoke gardens and outdoor spaces throughout Melbourne and wider Victoria for 20 years. He has previously exhibited two boutique show gardens at the Melbourne International Flower & Garden Show, taking out first place in 2024 and third place in 2023.
Dementia Australia CEO Professor Tanya Buchanan thanked Mr Pritchard for selecting Dementia Australia as his charity of choice and encouraged attendees to visit the Dementia Australia information stall located alongside the garden to find out more about dementia and protecting their brain health.
“This is a unique opportunity to raise awareness of dementia and to provide visitors with the opportunity to learn more about dementia, brain health and what support is available,” Professor Buchanan said.
“With an estimated 110,600 people living with dementia in Victoria, the Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show is the perfect opportunity to bring more attention to dementia and its modifiable risk factors.
“We are also excited to have the support of Dementia Australia Ambassador and Comedian Geraldine Hickey for this event. Geraldine will be at the Dementia Australia information tent meeting and greeting visitors on Saturday 29 March between 10am and 12pm.”
‘Nostalgia’ will be on display at the Melbourne International Flower & Garden Show from Wednesday 26 March to Sunday 30 March. For more information or to purchase tickets, please visit https://melbflowershow.com.au/
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Dementia Australia is the source of trusted information, education and services for the estimated more than 433,300 Australians living with dementia, and the more than 1.7 million people involved in their care. We advocate for positive change and support vital research. We are here to support people impacted by dementia, and to enable them to live as well as possible. No matter how you are impacted by dementia or who you are, we are here for you.
For support, please contact the National Dementia Helpline on 1800 100 500. An interpreter service is available. The National Dementia Helpline is funded by the Australian Government. People looking for information can also visit dementia.org.au
Media contacts: Megan Jones, Media and Communications Advisor, megan.jones@dementia.org.au, 0411 461 678
Andrea Hogan, Media and Communications Manager, andrea.hogan@dementia.org.au, 0406 904 118
When talking or writing about dementia please refer to Dementia-Friendly Language Guidelines.
Note to Editors:
We request, where possible, details for the National Dementia Helpline 1800 100 500 appear alongside news stories about dementia, as these stories often prompt questions or concerns:
If this story has prompted any questions or concerns, please call the National Dementia Helpline 1800 100 500 (24 hours, 7 days a week) or visit dementia.org.au.
