A NEW sensory garden has opened as part of Basingstoke Mencap’s ‘Greenfingers’ project.

The garden, designed to stimulate all the senses and to provide a small oasis of peace and quiet, was opened jointly by Cllr Paul Frankum, Mayor of Basingstoke and Deane, and Local Mencap’s life president, Lady Colman.

The garden was planned, resourced and built by the service users, volunteers and staff of the ‘Greenfingers’ horticultural project which helps adults with learning disabilities and/or mental health issues to learn horticultural skills in a relaxed and supportive environment.

The important project is situated at the Elizabeth Road allotments in South Ham.

Stefan John, joint project leader in charge of the horticultural side, explained: “We have created a garden that stimulates all five senses whilst still being a calming and tranquil environment.

“The many flowers provide a host of colour and fragrance and we have also included lots of different materials for the pathways, with a mixture of colours and textures giving a variety of sounds and ‘crunches’.

“You can see and hear Herman our water feature and if there is a breeze you can hear our wind chimes.”

Last year the project was chosen by Tesco customers to be awarded first prize in their ‘Bags of Help’ scheme, the money from this was put towards funding the garden.

However, much of the material the team used was recycled and many plants were grown on site, tailor made benches were also made by a retired carpenter volunteer Mick Marriott.

Joint project leader, Scott Cripps, said: “In future, everyone associated with the project will be able to come and rest for a while to enjoy our beautiful new garden.

“In addition, we welcome visitors to the site and the garden is available to all”

The ’Greenfingers’ garden also grows herbs, fruit and vegetables and the opening of the sensory garden allowed visitors to purchase these items and other items from the ‘Woodwork for Wildlife’ range.

As part of Basingstoke Green Week, the next official open day is Saturday, September 23, visitors will be able to see the new garden and purchase garden produce, winter vegetable plants and wooden garden items.