Sensory Garden - Shevington Memorial Park

Sensory Garden - Shevington Memorial Park

Podcast Link 

https://soundcloud.com/shevingtoninbloom/sensory-garden-podcast

SENSORY GARDEN 2014

                                                                 

After winning a competition run by Honda Motors, Shevington High School pupils wanted to work on a project within its Community.  With permission from Shevington Parish Council, a site in the Memorial Garden was chosen by the pupils.  Shevington in Bloom was approached to work with the school on a new project.

From a conversation with an ex-pupil of the school, who suggested the need for a sensory garden, it was decided that this was a good project for both the school and Shevington in Bloom to work on.

Plans were drawn up, the one below being the one chosen.  It is both pram and wheel chair friendly with a small bench and tree in the centre.

Work began in late January 2014, the pupils planted a Tibetan Cherry Tree in the centre of the garden.   It was chosen for its incredible bark, which glistens in the sun as if it has been polished.  Peeling as it ages, it creates wonderful textures and hiding places for small insects. It produces small white flowers in spring, with the leaves turning golden in autumn before they fall to reveal the vivid bark that contrasts perfectly on a frosty morning.

Shevington High School pupils, Pro-Land Landscapes & Shevington in Bloom

Shevington in Bloom funded a bespoke bench was designed, crafted and installed by Upholland Blacksmiths in April, who also made the Heritage Baskets near the Library.

Drawing of Bench

Installed Bench

The pupils then planted:

Carex Grasses that have foliage and flowers that are soft to the touch and also produce rustling seed heads in late summer and look striking on frosty morning.
Large Verbena Benoroensis that flower from June until the first frosts, adding colour and movement to the garden. With long arching stems baring purple flowers, they attract butterflies and bees with their high nectar content. This perennial holds the RHS Award of Garden Merit.
Dramatic Miscanthus to create background sounds in the garden, with its large grass like leaves providing shelter, movement and sound.
A variety of herbs, Lavender, Oregano, Sage and Thyme which when touched will give a bold scent. They also attract various insects throughout the summer.

The Project was completed in May 2014 when the Interpretation Board was installed, containing a QR Code and a Podcast which was produced by the pupils.