New garden wows centre’s children

Numerous trips to the drawing board resulted in the Apricot Tree Centre and the Rotary Club of Benoni Aurora unveiling a magical sensory garden to its learners.

Over the past 12 months, the Apricot Tree team have carefully observed the needs of each child in their care, taking mobility aids such as walkers and wheelchairs into consideration in its creation of a multi-functional garden.

Custom-designed, the garden aims to create an engaging space which will not only stimulate their senses but also offer a place to explore various auditory, visual and textural facets.

“Our children and young adult’s needs vary and we therefore took the time to observe their interactions with their environment thus, creating a calm space that promotes engagement in a conducive manner,” said principal Abby-Jade Reason.

“The sensory garden features interchangeable containers set in adjustable frames. Here all our children and young adults can experience various textures and colours of everyday items with minimal physical effort.”

Other features include planter boxes of brightly coloured flowers as well as edible plants, each selected by students attending the Northmead-based stimulation centre.

“The children and young adults take great pride in tending to their seedlings while others excitedly experiment with the various leaf textures, smell and taste,” said Reason.

“The soft play area nestled next to the textured mural further offers our learners a space to stretch and move while observing the shapes and colours on the wall, from various viewpoints.”

A gentle breeze sets in motion the dance of wind chimes, its soothing song echoing from nearby tree branches as senior learners take the Rotarians on a tour of the newly renovated garden.

With great delight, Aramis demonstrated the new walkway which features different textured paving as well as a life-size xylophone.

“I can feel the different paving under the wheels of my wheelchair,” exclaimed the jovial teen.

“Some rattle while others are smooth.”

Experiencing the garden from their hosts’ perspective, club president Garth Smithard said that he was moved by the passion each of the centre’s staff members expressed towards the children in their care.

“We initially pledged R50 000 towards the project but later increased the amount to R58 000,” he said.

“As able-bodied individuals, it was often difficult to visualise the end product. We initially did not realise the importance of seemingly minor factors, such as ensuring that the area which had been covered with synthetic grass, had to be perfectly level.

“However the Apricot Tree team took every detail into careful consideration to ensure that the space can not only be easily and safely navigated by the learners but that it easily accessible using mobility aids.”

Holding onto the hand of her host, Rotarian Gail Wilson was in awe of the learners’ infectious joy as well as the unwavering care and dedication of their caregivers.

“Saying thank you will never be enough,” said Reason, while the centre’s guests enjoyed freshly baked hot cross buns which had been prepared by the children.

“Your donation did not just create a beautiful garden and play area, it has given our children and young adults a new means of engaging with the world around them. These experiences will have a huge impact on how they interact with their surroundings, in future.”

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