MP David Laws opens sensory garden at extra care scheme
21 November 2005

MP David Laws recently visited Bowhayes Lodge extra care sheltered housing scheme in Crewkerne to officially open their new sensory garden. Bowhayes Lodge extra care sheltered housing scheme, which is owned and managed by South Somerset Homes, hosted the event to celebrate the official opening of the new garden.

Melissa Whittaker, aged 19 and a former pupil of Wadham Community School in Crewkerne, designed the sensory garden after entering a competition run by the Summer Education Millennium Awards Scheme who promote informal education for young people during the summer holidays.

Pictured here is Melissa Whittaker with her winning garden design

Melissa designed the sensory garden back in 2002 and won a Millennium Award from the Prince's Trust in January 2003. She was given £1,000 to help set the garden up, however, a total of £9,000 was granted to the scheme by Living Spaces - an organisation set up to help improve open spaces. Further funding came from Somerset County Council, South Somerset District Council and Crewkerne Town Council. Bradford’s helped with the building supplies and Scott’s Nurseries of Merriott donated the plants and shrubs.

When asked how she came up with the design, Melissa said, “ I wanted to incorporate a number of features to stimulate the senses, including scented plants and herbs, suitable for all people. I would like people to realise that not all young people in the town are destructive or vandals but love nature and want to make things better for themselves and others in the town."

A letter was read out at the opening from Monty Don of Gardeners’ World, which said; “I am delighted that someone of Melissa’s age has shown so much initiative and dedication in getting this garden made. Involving young people in working with the land is a great interest of mine and it is especially welcoming to see Melissa doing just that. She is a great role model for people of her age.”

Members of the public are now able to use the new garden and it has proved very popular with the residents and children living around Bowhayes, as it is situated in front of Bowhayes Lodge on the green. The garden will hopefully benefit the community for many years to come.

Pictured here opening the sensory garden is centre, MP David Laws, on the left is Melissa Whittaker and pictured on the right is Michael Best, Town Councillor and Mayor of Crewkerne