How to Bring Gardening Indoors: 6 Simple Activities for People Living with Dementia

Gardening doesn’t have to stop when the weather changes or when outdoor access is limited. If you work in a senior living community or are caring for a loved one at home, therapeutic horticulture can bring many of the same benefits: sensory stimulation, a sense of purpose, and moments of calm and connection. Even a small plant on a windowsill can spark joy and engagement.

Here are 6 easy therapeutic horticulture activities you can try indoors. They’re flexible, require minimal materials, and can be adapted to different stages of dementia and motor skills.

1. Potting Small Plants or Herbs

Great for: Mild to moderate stages

Materials: Small pots, potting soil, herbs or houseplants

Time: 15–30 minutes

Setup: Moderate (gather materials and prep space)

Safety Tips: Use lightweight, non-breakable pots and non-toxic plants (like basil or mint)

Why it’s engaging: Potting offers a satisfying, hands-on task. The smells and textures of herbs like lavender, thyme, or rosemary also provide natural sensory stimulation. Labeling the plants together adds a memory and language component, too.

2. Flower Arranging

Great for: All stages

Materials: Real or artificial flowers, small vases or jars

Time: 10–20 minutes

Setup: Easy

Safety Tips: Use soft-stemmed flowers and avoid fragile glass containers

Why it’s engaging: This low-pressure activity encourages creativity and choice. For those in later stages of dementia, simply holding and feeling the textures and colors of the flowers can be soothing and engaging.

3. Seed Sorting and Sensory Trays

Great for: Moderate to late stages

Materials: Large seeds and beans; small trays or containers

Time: 10–20 minutes

Setup: Easy

Safety Tips: Always supervise—avoid small parts for those at risk of swallowing

Why it’s engaging: Sorting by color, size, or type supports fine motor skills and focus. You can turn it into a calming, repetitive task that offers both visual and tactile stimulation.

4. Watering Indoor Plants Together

Great for: All stages

Materials: Spray bottles, small watering cans, potted plants

Time: 5–10 minutes

Setup: Easy

Safety Tips: Keep water spills in check to prevent slips; use easy-to-grip tools

Why it’s engaging: This can become a small daily ritual that fosters a sense of responsibility. Spraying leaves or checking on plant progress together opens the door for conversation and routine.

5. Grow Something from a Kitchen Scrap

Great for: Mild stages and early moderate

Materials: Lettuce base, green onions, carrot tops, clear jars

Time: Ongoing activity; 10–15 minutes to start

Setup: Easy

Safety Tips: Use stable containers and place on trays to avoid spills

Why it’s engaging: Watching new life grow from scraps is fun and memorable. Place jars on a windowsill and check in daily. Great opportunity to build anticipation and talk about growth.

6. Create Self-Watering Pots Together

Great for: Mild to moderate stages

Materials: Plastic cups, string or twine, small plant pots, soil, herb seeds

Time: 30–45 minutes (plus ongoing observation)

Setup: Easy

Safety Tips: Supervise any scissor use; keep surfaces tidy to avoid spills

Why it’s engaging: Watching new life grow from scraps is fun and memorable. Place jars on a windowsill and check in daily. Great opportunity to build anticipation and talk about growth. ✨ This activity is included in our free downloadable guide of indoor gardening activities.

Final Thoughts

These therapeutic horticulture activities aren’t about perfect results. They’re about process, presence, and moments of connection. Whether someone is sorting seeds, misting herbs, or arranging flowers, they’re engaging with nature in a way that brings calm, comfort, and joy.