BIDDEFORD — A garden can be a delight to the eye, most would agree. The colors can dazzle, and the scents may bring a smile.

Soon a Memory Care Garden will be built at St. André Health Care. All are invited to gather for the groundbreaking, set for 11 a.m. Tuesday. The ceremony will take place on the backyard patio at the facility, located at 407 Pool St.

“The planned 5,600-square-foot garden will help stimulate the residents’ memories by heightening their awareness of nature and the seasons,” said Sister Patricia Sullivan, RSM, who is head of mission integration and spiritual care at the facility.

She said the garden will create space for physical exercise, therapies, and activities all in a safe and secure environment.

Once completed, the garden will feature wide paths for wheelchairs, elevated garden beds for residents to tend and a gazebo, said Dave Guthro, communications director of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Portland.

The Memory Care Unit at St. André is home to patients diagnosed with memory loss, specifically dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. It is a part of the 96-bed St. André residence that also offers rehabilitation and skilled medical care, short-term respite care, long-term nursing care and palliative and hospice care. It is a member of Covenant Health.

“Many nursing homes and memory care facilities use these outdoor areas to try to stimulate the mind,” said Sister Patricia. “It can really improve a patient’s quality of life and provide the chance to walk without the risk of getting lost.”

Guthro said  interested parties may still donate to help with the construction of the Memory Care Garden.

For more information, contact the facility at 282-5171.