Work has begun on the creation of a sensory garden at St Patrick’s Comprehensive School in Shannon.
Bláth is a new project for this school year at the Shannon secondary school. Transition Year and Leaving Cert Applied students are leading the initiative with the aim of establishing a calming and creative space.
“We hope to make a garden for all the senses that will promote biodiversity and be a sanctuary to all who go to it. Located next to our astroturf pitch which is currently being refurbished by Ei Electronics, it is a central spot in our school and can be enjoyed by all,” teacher Jacquie Murphy explained.
Plans for Bláth including the planting of flowers and trees to promote biodiversity, harvesting rainwater, building nest boxes and feeders for birds, creating wind chimes, growing fruit, vegetables and herbs, putting in place insect homes, having a space for artists to create and also an area for meditation.
Ms Murphy said that it is hoped to get members of the Shannon community, past pupils and parents involved in the initiative. “Transition Years are currently working on making planters from recycled timber in the school while LCA students are collecting plastic bottles to recycle them into planters. A competition will soon launch to ask students and staff to design parts of the garden,” she added.
