Hexham's Sensory Garden, a lovely new space to be enjoyed by all the community, has had its official launch.
It has been developed in the grounds of Hexham House, which is part of the Green Flag award winning Hexham Parks, looked after by Tynedale Council.
The garden has been re-designed and planted in partnership with students from Newcastle College, Hexham Campus, garden design course, and the project was commissioned and fully supported by Tynedale Council.
It will be officially launched by Tynedale Council's head gardener Alan Moy MBE, who is retiring after nearly 30 years service with the council. He will unveil a plaque made of Alston stone.
Hexham's new sensory garden replaces a previous sensory garden which had become rather tired and overgrown. It is an inclusive garden, welcoming and accessible to individuals and families of all ages and abilities. The garden has been created following consultation with various user groups, including Northumberland County Blind Association and ADAPT.
Jonathan Archer, who teaches garden design at Hexham Campus, originally suggested the idea to the council and realised it also had plans in the pipeline to develop the existing garden, and ever since the two organisations have been working together on the idea.
Marion Hume, Anthea Stephenson and Rosie Howie, who attended the advanced garden design course at Hexham Campus, are amongst those who have been instrumental in the design of the sensory garden.
Marion said: "We all put our ideas together and then our designs were amalgamated and implemented in the sensory garden. As a group we have been together for a couple of years and we feel this is an excellent challenge. To see the whole project through from the initial designs to the real thing is very rewarding.
"This is a project to benefit the entire community as touch, smell, sound and sight have all been taken into consideration and everybody can enjoy all the senses it provides."
Penny Grennan, Head of Adult and Community Learning for Newcastle College, added: "This is an excellent example of true partnership-working, where everyone benefits. The project has provided tangible practical experience for the students and the impressive results are there for everyone to enjoy."
Extracts from a new leaflet about the garden suggest that:
"If you cannot see the plants, listen to the water on the stone, the wind in the trees and grasses.
"If you cannot hear the garden you can touch it; such plants as Artermisia "Powys Castle", Teasels and Geranium macrorrhizum with its strongly scented leaves.
"If you find it difficult to reach and touch - stay; let the scents and colours come to you. Perfumed pink virburnum in late winter, lavender, jasmine and honeysuckle in summer, and the subtle hints of autumn.
"Or do none of these things. Just sit a little and be at peace."
The garden will be enhanced by commissioned works of sculpture created by renowned local sculptor William Pym.
Northumberland County Blind Association was also consulted about the scheme to ensure people with sensory impairment get the best out of the garden. They advised on access issues for the sensory garden so people with guide dogs for example can use the area with ease. They suggested that use of sound in the garden is important, such as running water and wind chimes and that smell is important so plants such as lavender are being used. The garden also uses bright colours for contrast where possible as well as textured leaves so people can feel the difference between plants which makes it more interesting.
Councillor John Herron, leader of Tynedale Council, added: "This sensory garden has transformed the character and appeal of Hexham Parks creating a haven of tranquillity from which all members of the community will benefit, including those with sensory impairments."
"We are delighted that Hexham Parks have recently been awarded the Green Flag Award for 2005/06 for the fourth year running by the Civic Trust. It is the national standard for parks and green spaces, and is a mark of excellence."
Preparatory work on the garden was carried out by Weldons and a number of local companies and organisations have generously donated materials and items for the development of the garden. Students from the Sele School helped with some bulb planting and trainees from Hexham Adult Training Centre will be helping with the long term maintenance and development of the area.
Donations and support for the sensory garden development have come from Chameleon Mirrors, Bartram Walker, Tynedale Timber Supplies, Hexham Rotary Club, Beamish Clematis Nursery, JT Dove, Hexham Campus of Newcastle College, Weldons, Lubbe & Sons Ltd., The Garden Station at Langley and Trees Please.
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