The Sensory Garden…an update
Has it really been 4 months since I updated progress on the sensory garden? I guess it has, given the floods, wind and torrential rain of early 2014.
http://gardenclickers.co.uk/2013/10/12/one-foot-in-the-grave-an-exciting-update/
In the meantime however, the earth has been moving most ardently, not because of sink holes fortunately, but more to start an extension to my Mum’s care home. So the excess soil on one side of the garden, we realised could help us on the other side of the garden, and after a friendly conversation with the builders, work began.
Despite the inclement weather moments were snatched in between the waves of water and wind to lift soil and relocate to the sensory garden area that now will be pretty much level. The poly tunnel has also been re-sited to the bottom end of the garden, along with its contents, no mean feat. Power has been extended out to the central area of the garden and bits of walls have been built and re-adjusted to enclose the space to make it a secure environment. So, all in all, not bad for only February!
Here’s some pictures of the progress:
I am hopeful that the builders will also put in the figure of eight pathway forming the main design feature and we can then start the job of building the soil structure ready for planting.
Exciting times are ahead; the enthusiasm for the project keeps growing every time I visit and, as ever the staff at the home are interested and motivated. When I continue to see how hard they work to care for my mum and all the other residents, I want to do what ever I can to make this garden a place where everyone can come together to rest, relax, laugh and play! After all, there’s a child in all of us.
That’s terrific work Hayley.
PS How are the residents reacting to what is going on? Do they like the idea? Do
they help where possible?
Thanks Anne, not my work at the moment but I can see there will be much to do soon! Yes, the more able residents will help as we get the new season rolling. The poly tunnel needs to be organised for safety, it’s warm in there with just a little sun, so we’ll be encouraging people out to help with seed sowing :yes:
It is all coming on well Hayley and so exciting. The residents must love having something to look forward to and I bet you can’t wait for completion so you can start planting.
:heart:
Yes Cilla, I never dreamt that we would have this help either, very lucky that the home are extending on the other side of the building and the builders are very accommodating. Any joy with that rose you were investigating?
I have found several but can’t decide on one. Zephrine Drouin is the most common and smells lovely, I used to have one years ago, but it does get blackspot. I will let you know when I have looked at some more.
Thank you Cilla
much appreciated 
well it’s flat and ready for lift off Hayley —- exiting times ahead
:yes:
Tis exciting Lizzy :yes: There will be a lot of cultivating to do before we can plant but one day at a time should do it along with lots of pairs of hands!
Very exciting indeed!!! Such a fab and caring idea :yes:
The original idea was started by the former manager Jane and has been embraced fully by the new manager. What I love about the staff is that there is never any question as to ‘if’ this may happen, but ‘when’.
what a fantastic idea and especially with the seed sowing too, lovely polytunnel too, look forward in more pictures as it progress’s
Thank you Karen, any suggestions for planting gratefully received too! I’ve pieced together a rough plan with plants to help residents with sight, hearing, touch, taste and mobility problems, it’s a large space so we’ll need loads! :yes:
I’m just thinking that you will need quite a lot of pots for plant raising, when you really get going, and staging etc. Do you have enough equipment? Perhaps some of us have spares of things you might need. or seeds, which could be sent down to you. I’d love to know what you have on your plant list too, under the various headings. This is such a worthwhile thing to do, three cheers for management and YOU.
Thank you Sheila, it is wonderful to be part of the team organising this project. Within the blog I posted a few months back there is a rough plan with planting ideas:
http://gardenclickers.co.uk/2013/10/12/one-foot-in-the-grave-an-exciting-update/
At that time too many clickers were kind enough to offer cuttings, plug plants and seedlings and when the time comes for us to get down to the nuts and bolts I will let you know. We do have many pots already and we are planning a resident/relative meeting soon to encourage more help
Looking good Hayley, bet you can’t wait for the better weather, so you can really get stuck in :yes: It will be such a benefit for all the residents. well done. Perhaps if you need any more plants we could bring them to Cardiff?
Thank you Lynn, now there’s a thought
I’ll have a ponder on it :yes:
oops! I see Hayley laden down with plants on each shoulder, rushing for the train home :yahoo: :wacko: Or are you going in the car Hayley?
Probably by car Anne but haven’t decided for sure yet :unsure:
You wont be allowed in the B+B with all those plants Hayl. Its coming together well,
Thanks Al, it’s great to see we have had help for this bit in particular :yes:
I’ve had my thinking cap on and here are some suggestions.
Wildflowers……corncockles, campion,ragged robin….all good pollinators and very pretty.
Grasses…………stipa arundinacea (pheasant tail grass)…lovely colour and sways in the breeze.
stipa tenuissima……very fluffy and tactile……hackonecloa macra aurea….very pretty and eye catching grass.
Herbaceous…..foxgloves,sunflowers…visual impact,…..stachys bizantia….beautiful tactile soft grey felty leaves and brilliant for bees,…..verbena bonariensis…another great statement plant and bees and butterflies love it……alchemilla mollis………..great for flower arrangements for the home.
Winter Interest and perfume…..lonicera fragrantissima, sarcocca,cronilla citrina glauca. All perfumed and the bees love them just when they need pollen after their winter sleep.
Last one should say coronilla!
What a star Cilla, thank you so much!
Many of the plants you’ve mentioned are on my list. I love the idea of grasses and I thought Phyllostachys nigra would be good too. Originally I’d thought to have a specific area for wildlife but now I think we should have plants running through the garden to attract bees and butterflies as there will be a figure-of-eight path, the more wildlife we can encourage the better.
My favourite bamboo Hayley and not too invasive. I have two large ones in pots. The yellow one is attractive too.
How about a camomile lawn, And scented herb section, Not forgetting a touch section, for the ones with poor or no vision. The list is endless. :scratch:
Funny you should say that Al. When I went to Sissinghurst recently I spotted a camomile bench, camomile, fennel and lavender are very calming too :yes:
Scented herb garden would be a good idea also lavender don’t know anyone who can walk past it without rubbing your fingers on it, same as rosemary and lemon balm, on the wild flower section poached egg plants are lovely too and poppies too for the vivid colours
Herbs are a definite Karen
poached egg plants are great for the pollinators too. :yes: I love poppies and daisies; poppies will also be a reminder of war time days and daisies of childhood days 
This looks fantastic Hayley
Thank you John
Now we’ve started I’m feeling very enthusiastic, it’s really all happening 
:yahoo: