A SENSORY garden that will provide a calm space and therapeutic experience is being planned by the Irish Wheelchair Association in Carlow. The association has launched a fundraising campaign in an effort to create the garden at the community centre located on the Kilkenny Road.
The inclusive and therapeutic space promises to have a ‘lasting impact’ on members and the wider community, offering a ‘peaceful haven’ to connect with nature, relax and engage in meaningful social activities.
The planned sensory garden is the latest phase in the association’s long-running commitment to creating inclusive, engaging outdoor spaces. The garden will feature accessible pathways, sensory plants and a calming water feature, all co-designed by the gardening group in consultation with members and staff.
Rainwater harvesting is also being explored in partnership with Anne Phelan from the local authority waters programme (LAWPRO), in line with the group’s sustainable ethos.
The centre already boasts a vibrant and productive garden with fruit trees, ornamental plants and 17 wheelchair-accessible raised beds, supported by a dedicated horticulture tutor from Carlow Educational Training Board (ETB). What started over 15 years ago with four raised beds and a polytunnel has grown into a flourishing horticultural hub and one of the centre’s most popular programmes.
Marion Dowling, service co-ordinator, explained that the garden “not only provides fresh produce but also serves as a hub for learning, socialising and wellbeing”.
Ms Dowling continued: “The sensory garden will provide many benefits, including therapeutic sensory experiences, a calm space for mindfulness and relaxation, greater connection with nature and the community and opportunities for social interactions and group activities.
“The creation of this sensory garden is going to be a truly special resource to everyone in our centre and community. Every euro raised will go towards making this vision come to life.”
The IWA’s gardening group meets every Wednesday from 11am to 1pm and is open to men and women year-round. Participants often speak of the powerful impact the group has on their mental health, confidence and social connection.
“The group is about more than gardening,” added Dolly Dunne, a staff member at the centre who co-ordinates the group. “It’s about creating a sense of belonging, purpose and peace.”
Due to increasing demand, the centre is now considering launching a second gardening group.
The gardening programme has received funding assistance over the years from Carlow County Development Partnership and Carlow Co Council.
In 2022, the association was selected by MSD Carlow as one of its supported charities under its corporate responsibility programme. In June of this year, MSD staff returned for a team-building day, helping with painting, cleaning and gardening. The company has expressed interest in continuing to provide volunteer support in the future.
To sustain and expand this vibrant programme, the association is seeking funding from various sources. However, the organisation is also exploring ways to self-fund, where possible, aiming to ensure the long-term viability of this much-loved initiative.
A number of fundraising events towards the creation of the sensory garden will take place over the coming year, kicking off with a flag day on Saturday 16 August, followed by an afternoon tea fundraiser in September.
Donations can be made to Support IWA Carlow’s Sensory Garden on iDonate.ie.
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