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Permalink Reply by Nicki Jackson on January 17, 2011 at 9:06

Hi everyone

Thanks so much for all the advice and web links given, I've looked at all the web sites recommended for inspiration!!  :)  Fingers crossed I get the proposal done and sent off today.

Thanks again :)

Nicki

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Permalink Reply by Rebecca Smith on January 17, 2011 at 11:20

Hi Nicki

 

Have you tried the Thrive website and library (its near Reading)?  They also have publications for sale and I'm sure they will have some on gardens/gardening for children.  They certainly will have information on sensory gardens more generally too.   Good luck!

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Permalink Reply by Benedict Green on January 17, 2011 at 14:34

Hi Nicki,

I completed a sensory garden last year for an early years centre for Richmond Upon Thames.  Posted some pictures here.

It was a very interesting, difficult, but ultimately satisfying project. Things I would recommend in hindsight would be...

Keep it simple. We had many different artists/designers/collaborators and keeping things within budget, on time and also keeping H&S happy proved very difficult.

Remember to avoid poisonous plants, keep within critical fall heights and try to think of every conceivable way a child might seriously injure themselves (the H&S tend to be most concerned about serious injury and understand that kids will get knocks and bumps whatever you do, but please don't quote me on that). Get on board with whoever is in charge of this early on.

Think about the maintenance from the start. If we had known the budget cuts coming we would have done a few things differently. Living wall for example. Find out what they are prepared to commit too.

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Permalink Reply by Nicki Jackson on January 17, 2011 at 16:15

Hiya - thanks for that I had a look, great webiste :)

Rebecca Smith said:

Hi Nicki

 

Have you tried the Thrive website and library (its near Reading)?  They also have publications for sale and I'm sure they will have some on gardens/gardening for children.  They certainly will have information on sensory gardens more generally too.   Good luck!

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Permalink Reply by Nicki Jackson on January 17, 2011 at 16:17

Again, thank you everyone for your words of wisdom, photos and web links - invaluable.  Just shows how great LJN is!  I have completed the proposal now so it's just a waiting game now to see if I have got through. Thanks again :)
Nicki

 

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Premium SupplierPermalink Reply by Ofer El-hashahar on January 17, 2011 at 16:21

Hi Nick, and others who do community gardens,

 

I have many happy customers using our simple any shape raised beds in comunity gardens.

All it is our recycled plastic wall, svrewd to the recycled plastic stakes.

It can be great  as they are high 45cm, 65 cm or 22cm. so by creating wave shapes and like a path with beds on both sides it is easy to walk near and smell/ touch and feel plants.  ( i am not a plants expert in the uk)

 

if you like a round top, just add a pipe along it.

you can actually built from the material any structure you like, sort of water proof areas/covers at any shape.

blooming post and walls are favorite on children. ( screw holes and plant inside).

 

I had customers made boat shapes, heart circles and more.

It cost a fraction of any other lasting material, 100% recycled that saves a lot of energy . 

If samples needed contact me can send you samples with info.

ofer

Benedict Green said:

Hi Nicki,

I completed a sensory garden last year for an early years centre for Richmond Upon Thames.  Posted some pictures here.

It was a very interesting, difficult, but ultimately satisfying project. Things I would recommend in hindsight would be...

Keep it simple. We had many different artists/designers/collaborators and keeping things within budget, on time and also keeping H&S happy proved very difficult.

Remember to avoid poisonous plants, keep within critical fall heights and try to think of every conceivable way a child might seriously injure themselves (the H&S tend to be most concerned about serious injury and understand that kids will get knocks and bumps whatever you do, but please don't quote me on that). Get on board with whoever is in charge of this early on.

Think about the maintenance from the start. If we had known the budget cuts coming we would have done a few things differently. Living wall for example. Find out what they are prepared to commit too.

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