GTC Sensory Garden

GTC is committed to improving public space and enhancing the environment for everyone living in Girton. In 2016 Trustees decided to establish a Sensory Garden on their plot of land at the entrance to Wellbrook Way, adding an attractive focus to this core area of the Village for everyone to enjoy.

Old and young

The design was to be appropriate for all users – from young parents with pushchairs and prams, through to young children, teenagers and families and our older residents who may have wheelchairs or mobility scooters.

The brief was to include a sensory trail through the garden – stimulating the senses of sight, smell, touch, taste and sound through the use of specific plants and materials – as well as self-contained garden spaces which will be perfect for people to pause and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.

In Autumn 2016, Trustees awarded the project to Sylvia Newman Garden Design Ltd, a family-run business located in Longstanton which has designed and planted many gardens, in a wide range of different settings.

Work started in Spring and the garden was formally opened in September 2017.

Flora and fauna

A variety of species of hedges, standard trees and mixed borders provide year-round interest and an ideal environment for birds and insects. Borders have been planted with many herbaceous varieties which will provide the majority of the Summer colour in addition to attracting birds and insects into the garden.

Paths

Arterial paved paths run across the Garden with connecting hogging tracks. The hedges provide good structure and the varieties being used in the design are Prunus laurocerasus (laurel), Carpinus betulus (hornbeam) and Photinia. Two existing silver birch trees have been retained and rows of standard Catalpa trees planted.

Focus

Sylvia Newman commented, “It has also been important to create a space that can be appreciated one-to-one as well as by groups.  All components, including planting, need to be robust enough to take the level of use required by a public space, including wildlife."

The Garden was formally opened by Heidi Allen MP on 4th September 2017 and continues to be maintained by Sylvia Newman Garden Design and monitored by Trustees resulting in a space respected by Village residents and visitors for the facilities it provides.