AN area at Chelsea Preparatory School which was once just a grassy patch is now a beautiful sensory garden, filled with weird and wonderful things to stimulate the children’s senses.

The idea is the brainchild of Vanessa Norris, the Grade R coordinator, and Debbie Maritz, the junior primary deputy head.

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“This area was just a piece of grass with a beautiful tree,” Norris said.

“After researching sensory gardens, and the fact that it has so many benefits to the children, I thought it would be a wonderful idea to create one at the school,” she said.

Leading to the garden is a hop-scotch footpath, and the garden itself is cordoned off with a colourful pencil fence.

The garden itself comprises a sensory wall that stimulates the touch, bright colours for sight, wind chimes for hearing and fresh herbs for smell.

“There’s also a water feature which the children love. We’ve also planted lamb’s ear which is a leafy plant with a furry feel to it,” said Norris. Thyme, mint, sage, basil and lavender plants stimulate smell.

“At the moment, only the Grade R, Grade 1 and children who attend occupational therapy make use of the garden. It is so therapeutic. Sometimes the children just want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the playground,” added Norris.

“To see the children enjoying it makes it all worthwhile, ” she added.