The idea
We would like to give our young pupils at St. Augustine’s CoE High School the opportunity to create something meaningful for our local community. Our local community includes care homes, special schools and cultural centres. We are aware that our space is not massive, but it can make a difference to these people.
The COVID-19 pandemic continues to make a huge impact and has been especially isolating for the most vulnerable. Our sensory garden provides a space for people to meet and to work together, looking after the day-to-day maintenance, care and expansion of our planters and shrubbery. Connecting with others and connecting with the environment are vital to our well-being. This space can bring together the young and the old to collaborate and learn from each other, to strengthen ties amongst members of our community. During down-time, the garden can be a place of solace, where one can sit and read, paint or simply sit and take in the sights, smells and sounds of the garden.
What we'll deliver
- Install raised beds where we will plant lavender, and create flower meadows
- New seating areas
- A library area and drawing space
- Space to plant vegetables
- A sensory wall with sensory equipment
Why it's a great idea
It can be beneficial to people’s physical health and mental well-being. Gardening can be done by anyone, at any level of physical fitness. The tasks involved are generally diverse, low-impact and adaptable to ability. Gardening can strengthen muscles and joints without risk of injury and being outdoors aids the respiratory and circulatory systems and increases access to natural sources of vitamin D. As mentioned above, the benefits to mental well-being are perhaps greatest of all.
Finally, our project will give our school and wider community a green space which uniquely caters to people with sensory needs. Our garden may look small but to many it is a place of infinite variety, providing ever changing sensory adventures with the rhythm of the seasons. We will continue to develop our garden with this idea at the forefront.
Steps to get it done
- Clearing the area from dirt, leaves and other bits
- Organise what we need to buy
- Plan our space
- Organise raised beds, seating space
- Planting
- Organising library and reading corner
Gardens are enjoyed unanimously, regardless of age, gender, ability or background. A garden can relax the mind, revitalise the senses and stimulate the imagination. A sanctuary hidden amongst the urban hustle-bustle of Kilburn, our magical sensory garden grows for everyone to explore and enjoy.
