Launch of Garden for All Seasons

PRESS RELEASE ISSUED 25^TH NOVEMBER 2008

Launch of Garden For All Seasons at Sean Walsh Park, Tallaght, Dublin 24

by

Mayor Marie Corr on Wednesday 3^rd December 2008 at 2.00 pm

Background and Design Concept:

South Dublins Social Inclusion Unit and Parks Department have worked closely with Menni Services in Tallaght (connected to St. Johns of Gods) towards the creation of a Sensory Garden where the clients of Menni Services (Children & Adults with Disabilities mainly from the Tallaght Area) can use an outdoor garden on their doorstep for horticultural therapy and instruction. The garden will be officially opened by Mayor Cllr. Marie Corr on Wednesday 3^rd December 2008 at 12.00 p.m.

To advance the Social Inclusion agenda, it is considered appropriate that the County Council should provide a dedicated space in one of our parks which provides the opportunity for persons with physical and intellectual disabilities, to participate in the creation and upkeep of a visually stimulating garden. The design of the garden provides for universal accessibility, so other visitors to the Park can also enjoy the sensory quality of space. The site chosen for the garden is in a section of the Park close to the proposed new Childrens playground. The garden is also close to the Square Shopping Centre and the N81 and the high level pedestrian over-bridge, which facilitates easy access to Menni Services, St. John of Gods, located at Exchange Hall, Tallaght.

The overall design of the garden was prepared by staff of the Parks Department with input from the staff of Menni Services and the Local Staff Partnership Group in Sean Walsh Park. The Garden outline is in the form of an Ellipse which draws for its main inspiration the seasonal variation in nature and the shape of planetary orbits within our Solar System. The design provides for a series of oval and circular spaces punctuated by specimen planting leading to a central water feature discharging to shallow rills to create a soothing, restful and contemplative spatial and sensory experience. High quality hard landscape materials have been used throughout. The logos of both the County Council and Menni Services have been installed as feature in the garden, as a symbol of the co-operation of both organizations in realizing this important project. Planting beds are provided at a suitable level above ground to facilitate easy access for horticultural therapy and maintenance works. In relation to the use of plant materials the following guiding principles have been adhered to;

Use of plants with lots of colour and vibrancy.

No plants with berries or poisonous leaves.

Soft areas around the garden plants i.e. use of mulch.

An area is set aside within the garden to grow herbs so as to educate the participants in planting, cultivating and subsequent use of herbs in their cookery classes.

Use of plants with appropriate sight, sound, touch and scented sensory effects.

The participation of the clients of Menni Services in the planting and maintenance of the garden has been fully supported and is encouraged by South Dublin County Council.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT BILL KEARNEY, SENIOR PARKS SUPERINTENDENT, PARKS DEPARTMENT TEL: 086 6088155 OR MARIA FINN, SOCIAL INCLUSION OFFICER, COMMUNITY SERVICES DEPARTMENT TEL: 086 3803060

ENDS

ISSUED 25^TH NOVEMBER 2008