Sensory garden opens

A sensory garden has been officially opened for disabled young people who use a children’s centre in Southwell.

The garden, specially designed to stimulate all the senses, was opened at Caudwell House children’s community home.

It features an array of plants and flowers chosen specifically for their sensory qualities, including Lambs Ear, which is exceptionally soft to the touch, lavender, known for its strong fragrance, and a variety of herbs and colourful flowers.

There is a central water-feature, consisting of bubble fountains fed by an artificial stream which flows over rough and smooth rocks and lights up at night, a story telling chair and stools and benches where the children can relax.

Caudwell House’s manager, Mrs Gill Howell-Jones, said: “Everything in the garden has been chosen because of its sensory nature.

“Some of the children who use the home are blind or deaf, and this garden benefits everybody who uses it."

The garden has been two years in the making and has been developed by Nottinghamshire County Council’s local improvement scheme, supported by Southwell Rotary Club, Squires Construction and garden landscaping specialists Marshalls.

Caudwell House offers accommodation, short breaks and respite care to disabled young people aged from four to 18.

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