Children enjoy the thrill of Saintfield sensory garden

Children enjoy the thrill of Saintfield sensory garden

15 May 2013

A NEW sensory garden has been opened at a Saintfield school thanks to funding from the Lottery.

The Parents Association at St. Mary’s Primary School secured £9,500 which has been used to create a wonderful new garden which opened on Sunday.

The garden was the idea of parent Joanne Chong-Kwan, who suggested an area embracing fun, laughter, storytelling, growth and an outdoor classroom in good weather.

At the ceremony the garden was blessed and opened by Fr. Anthony McHugh PP, before pupils from the school performed music and then joined governors, teachers and parents for a walk around the new landscape.

Acting principal Anne Reid thanked everyone who helped make the garden happen and paid tribute to Terry Winchcombe, owner of Inside Out Landscapes, who brought the children’s ideas to life.

She said: “During the years to come our children’s education will be enhanced by this beautiful resource, we will watch the development of our children in this colourful and appealing environment.”

With raised flower beds, seating, an underground tunnel, colourful murals, chimes and a story telling chair it is intended to be a tranquil area to grow vegetables, to help the pupils learn about birds, insects and monitor the life cycle of plants.

Mrs. Chong-Kwan said when the idea of a sensory garden was first discussed with the pupils there was much excitement.

“It is fantastic to see the excitement again today as they are able to explore for real the fruits of everyone’s hard work, this resource will benefit many children in our wonderful, rural school,” she said.