A proposal for a sensory garden at Bawnmore centre, Limerick, Ireland.

1. Bawnmore Sensory Garden Enda Gallery Megan O’Flynn Malachy Ronan Cathal Rodgers Colm Walsh BawnmoreSensoryGarden.wikispaces.com

2. Overall Strategy Given the nature of the projects we have tailored our ideas to be able to work with other groups while also reaching our key goals We have focused our ideas and planning on: Principally the raised beds on the right side as per map Prayer tree in green area to rear of plants The periphery of the raised bed area

3. Primary Considerations The garden should be a comfortable space for users to enjoy A wide range of senses are catered for Enough variety to maintain interest Various forms of user interaction Safe and suitable for the intended users To develop plans at a reasonable and realistic cost

4. Research Visit to Bawnmore Measurements Wind Noise Visit to the Royal Botanical Garden, Dublin Sensory Garden Idea Generation and Research of those ideas

6. Bed 1 & 5– Getting centered Zen Gardens Two Zen gardens will be placed at either end of one of the small beds Allows one to design their own patterns or shapes from the coloured gravel

7. Zen Gardens

8. Contained Zen Garden Rock Gardens Dry Landscape Sand/Gravel represents the sea Rocks/Stone represent Islands, mountains or people Concentration Meditation Imagination

9. Bed 2 - Musical Healing Mirimba We have sourced a ceramic mirimba which we will set up on both long sides of one of the beds Allows two people to interact musically Cost - €0 Healing Flowers The areas to the left and right of the mirimbas will display healing flowers such as: Rosemary (also used for cooking) St Johns Worth (treats anxiety and depression) Lavander (calming)

10. Bed 3 Drawing Bed Chalk boards for drawing/writing thoughts/prayers/wishes/doodles Two slates placed on the middle of either side of the bed sloping upwards to the centre (rested on rock) Scented herbs on either side This will utilise one of the larger sized beds

11. Bed 4 (U shaped bed)Looking inside Mirrored balls Mirrored balls of various sizes will be placed around the bed Cost - €2-15 Chinese Rain Chain Water feature This will utilise the natural rain fall for it’s own growth and provide a beautifully interesting feature Cost - €50 Scented flowers and various objects with interesting textures to touch will be placed around these. Details later in the presentation

12. Rain Chains Originated in Japan Alternative to downspouts Transports water to a drain or storage container Can be a water feature in itself Can also be used to collect water needed for other features

13. Rain Chains

14. Bed 4 cont… Taking in the light Beautiful creeper plant for the lamp post This JasminumPolyanthumlooked and smelled gorgeous and was attached to a pole. Green fence material wrapped around it which the creeper could use to grow upwards. It would get the lamp post out of sight and have the lights seem like they're being suspended in the air. The lamp post seems out of place at the moment, particularly as its in a flower bed and this would allow it to blend more into the environment. (Honeysuckle is another alternative)

15. Scented flowers for beds

16. Bench 1 and 2 – Phone cone Phone Cone running behind benches (possibly underground) Encourage user interaction

17. Border – Protecting the beauty The wind and outside noise prevents the space from feeling safe and enjoyable We propose to put a bamboo type border are the two most exposed sides to protect the area from the wind This will help us create a safe haven for our sensory garden 23.4 meters worth

19. Bless the surrounding countryside

20. Used in healing ceremonies

21. Balance/Harmony with the elements

22. Blue – sky/space

23. White – air/wind

24. Red – fire

25. Green – water

27. Time Plan Overall Plan Ordering and Sourcing 8-10 days Manual Labour and finishing 4-6 days Breakdown Zen Garden 2hrs x 2 = 4 Slate Bed 4hrs Marimba Bed 4hrs Mirror balls/rain chain 4hrs Phone Cone 4hrs Flags: 3hrs Bamboo 4hrs Prayer Tree 2hrs

28. Financial issues: Knowledge for all of us The total cost of our plans will be in the region of (say) €250 Brothers Of Charity Services Limerick, Bawnmore is a registered charity and is recognised by the Revenue commissioners Charity no: 6920 Section 207, Taxes Consolidation Act, 1997 is the relevant legislation

29. Financial issues: Knowledge for all of us If we secure a donation of >/= €250 from any individual paying tax at the marginal rate (41%) Allowable as a tax deduction at the marginal rate of tax (41%) Net cost to an individual is only €147.50 This deduction is also available at the standard rate (20%) to those who do not pay tax at the marginal rate – Net cost = €200

30. Financial issues: Knowledge for all of us If we secure a donation of >/= €250 from any business Allowable as a tax deduction at the corporation tax rate Net cost to the business is only €218.75