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The planting tyres (including a hand painted Minion) were re-homed to make space for twelve large, lined wooden planters, installed along one side of the garden, each to be tended by a different class or year group. In addition, a three tiered planter has been located behind the gazebo, one of the garden's sunspots. Following some surface excavation, four natural log benches, each weighing an impressive 300kg, have been anchored in the centre of the site, along with two large curved picnic tables, creating an outdoor classroom. A number of sensory panels and an acrylic mirror have been added to the newly painted gazebo and a very exciting bug hotel constructed
The area was designed to maximise use of the space designated by the school whilst also keeping in mind the brief they had given about how they wished to use the garden – not as an extension of the play area, but as an active ‘out of the classroom’ learning space and meditation area. As this side of the school grounds includes several large protected trees, we also had to be mindful of these and consider the limited sunspots in the garden. Where possible, we also tried to incorporate ideas from selected plans that the students had drawn up last year, and we hope the school will continue to expand on these and add to the garden in the future.
The finishing touches will be added as the weather improves. These include a final jet wash of the path, wind chimes and spinners, adding fishes to our pond and filling each of the boxes with compost and seedlings. We have various ideas about the usage of the planting boxes, aimed at stimulating the different senses and providing hands-on learning for the children, and will share these with the teachers to help maximise these resources.
We hope you will all get a chance to see the efforts in due course and of course, add to the FOAH efforts with any additional ideas and resources. We are sure the school will welcome any support in maintaining the space and we encourage any green fingered volunteers with knowledge to help the garden grow.
Many thanks as ever for your support and patience, we look forward to the Sensory Garden becoming an integral part of the Avanti school day.
FOAH Sensory Garden Team
Click the link below to see previous garden and pond blogs:
#888Dynamics
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