Sensory Garden Word on the Week 27th April 2024.
This week we finally bit the bullet! The project had languished for a long time but this week the Men’s Shed unanimously agreed to turn our garden into a sensory one for use by the school for Autistic children.
The Kill Men’s Shed occupies a small part of the school campus. Last year we erected a Polly Tunnel for the pupils to grow plants and vegetables. Transforming the garden was the big one which had been put on the long finger. It was the generous offer by a local business to deal with the site preparation that galvanized us to action!
The aim of a sensory garden is to engage with our five senses. Plants and grasses are chosen for their abilities in the following areas. Sight, Sound, Scent, Taste Touch. The appropriate plants will occupy large boxes and by planting them together accentuate each of the five senses.
The garden is long and narrow. It will have a central path winding through it. The boxes with plants will be located on either side of the path. They will be readily accessible to those walking along the path. The school pupils will be encouraged to get to know the different categories.
We plan seating and a water feature. No doubt there will be other items introduced to enhance the tranquillity of the place but these items are foundational.
Where these gardens exist they appear to live up to their reputation to bring peace and calm into the lives of those who relax in them.
The Bible has much to say about peace. (a)Peace with God; (b)Peace with our neighbour and (c)Peace within ourselves.
(a) You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.
Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord God is an everlasting rock. (Isaiah 26:3/4).
(b) Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. (Colossians 3:15/6)
(c) The peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4 verse 7).
And for you Reader Jesus benediction where peace is not just the absence of conflict but the Hebrew word Shalom epitomized in the hymn ‘All is well with my soul.’ Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.