The Beeches applied for a chunk of a £1.26 million grant given to Norfolk by the Department of Health for improvements to the physical environment of care homes, aiming to increase dignity and respect for older people.

And according to the home's manager, Sheila Kingsmill-Brown, residents' lives are now much fuller: "Residents are now able to go out into the garden which is their right, and do it in safety.

"It has made those that do want to go outside more communicative."

The Edwardian-style garden includes the sounds of rustling grass and wind chimes, the smell of fragrant roses and lavender as well as a range of colours and textures to see.

The grant was given to the home on the condition that fees would not increase.

Mrs Kingsmill-Brown said the Government needed to offer more funding for similar projects.

She added: "It (the grant) has helped a lot of homes to do some of the things that were needed but not quite within budget."