Running along the leat by the car park, is our new sensory garden. Created with help from Tesco’s ‘bags of help’ and paving specialists MatsGrids it is the perfect place to spend some time enjoying the Mill’s grounds and stimulating the senses.
The aim of the garden is to create a stimulating and sensory space that could be enjoyed by all visitors to the Mill. Designed by one of the Mill’s volunteers, the plans accommodate grass and stone paving suitable for wheelchair users together with a wide range of planting that are specifically accessible for visitors with visual or physical impairments, dementia and wheelchair users.
The design incorporates a raised oval central bed as well as surrounding areas packed with plants for sound, sight, feel and smell. All of which are accessible by wheelchair users and pushchairs. Central to the design is an oval bed which takes visitors on a circular route around the garden for ease of access and exit.
With the plan in place our volunteers created the sensory garden, initially clearing and levelling the ground, before building the raised beds and installing the pathways. After research the team chose MatsGrids x-grid® which was not only easy to install but allows all year access even when filled with plants or gravel. With this in place, wooden features made from Mill trees and the planting was completed which is now maturing for all year interest.
The sensory garden can now be enjoyed without entrance to the Mill.
