By LOL project managed and got hands-on when we transplanted existing plants and shrubs to create a new sensory garden in Toynton, This brought as much joy and LOL to the builders as it the beneficiaries.
Initially we met with the management of Linkage in order to discuss their expectations and requirements and to timetable for the days of the practical sessions delivery.
The initial consultation with the management of the day centres identified both their needs and the diverse range of abilities to ensure inclusion and rewards for all.
The Toynton (Linkage ) project fully engaged with community participants in the creation of a Sensory Garden area.
This involved digging out and replanting some plants from the area and the digging out of a large spikey plant that was becoming a nuisance.
They used spades and wheelbarrows to remove a layer of topsoil, so that they could lay a permeable membrane and top with slate stone.
The clients also planted up flower pots and planters for display in their new sensory garden.
Outcome
The project became 6 morning or afternoon sessions, with at least two hours of physical activity to engage the Toynton college clients with gardening activity sessions. It was important to us that we talked to the day centre management to develop a bespoke plan that was exactly what they wanted.
What did we learn
How to work together as a team for the benefit of the community, using their own resilience, confidence and determination, seeing physical and mental divergence as a blessing rather than disabilities.
The workforce has been up-skilled and safety training accessed, learning woodworking, horticultural, and risk assessment prior to learning the safe system of work for hand tools such as soil auger, post holer, sawing, spades, wheelbarrows, sprayers and potting tools.
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