Listening tubes for students to experiment with sound

Detail of school garden design

The planting is starting to mature

An unloved corner adjacent to the special needs unit of a Northumberland school was transformed into an immersive sensory retreat. We had a limited budget and an imaginative approach was required for the design. We left some of the existing pavers in situ and this acted as a framework for a tapestry of carefully selected plant species to spread and spill out over the paving.

We used materials and plants that allowed the students to have a varied experience. The garden was zoned to highlight each of the senses, so one area had a pond with a bubbling fountain and a listening tube, and was planted with grasses that would rustle in the breeze. Another area had tactile plants for the students to feel, another had scented plants, both flowers and leaves.

These were all punctuated with features such as a willow arbour (we used a local willow artist to work with some of the students) for quiet contemplation, some balancing blocks which doubled as seats and a rubber safety area for informal sports in the school colours.

Gallery

We started by painting the fence and adding a Cornus hedge for winter colour

an imaginative approach was required for the design

Existing pavers left in situ to act as a framework

We used materials and plants that allowed the students to have a varied experience

We used materials and plants that allowed the students to have a varied experience

A pond with a bubbling fountain

Listening tubes for students to experiment with sound

A willow arbour for quiet contemplation

Balancing blocks

The planting in the garden begins

The planting is starting to mature

The garden in full summer bloom

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