Sensory Garden Project
October's Flower of the Month - Dahlia
October's flower of the month is the beautiful dahlia - cafe au lait chosen by S1 pupil Nadia Crawford. Dahlia's are beautiful flowers and there are a large variety of different dahlias to enjoy. This one has to be one of my favourites as the beautiful blush colour is so pretty. This dahlia will flower from July to November and will make a beautiful addition to your garden.
September's Flower of the Month - Hyacinth
September's Flower of the Month is the beautiful hyacinth. This flower was chosen by S6 pupil Cameron Macintosh. The hyacinth is the flower of the sun god Apollo and is a symbol of peace, commitment and beauty, but also of power and pride. Hyacinths bloom just once per year (in the spring), but they will happily bloom again in subsequent years if provided with the proper care. They are a perennial plant.
August's Flower of the Month - Alstromeria
August's flower of the month has been chosen by S6 pupil Erin Bleavins. What an excellent choice! Alstromeria connects to the meaning of friendship, love , strength and devotion. I can personally vouch for this flower as I always have them in my house. Alstromeria can be bought in most supermarkets and although it may look wilted when first purchased they soon bloom and last a good 7-10 days.
For more information about growing alstromeria click on the following link:
https://www.gardenia.net/plant/alstroemeria-princess-ariane
8/6/21 - JUNE'S FLOWER - PEONY
June's flower of the month has been chosen by Mr Cannon our resident RMPS teacher. Mr Cannon chose a peony as this month's flower which represents wealth and honour.
For more information about how to grow peonies click on the below link:
https://www.gardenersworld.com/how-to/grow-plants/how-to-grow-peonies/
10/5/21 - MAY'S FLOWER - IRIS
Each month a pupil or member of staff will be randomly selected to choose this month's 'flower of the month'. This month S5 pupil Nathan Ho has chosen the Iris to be May's flower of the month.
Did you know.....
- In Greek mythology, Iris was a messenger from the gods who travelled to earth on a rainbow. ...
- The three upright petals on an iris flower stand for faith, wisdom, and valor.
19/4/21 - SPRING HAS SPRUNG!
Following the public health situation accessing outdoor space and spending time with friends and family has never been so important. As restrictions are beginning to ease we are now able to meet others outdoors, travel more freely and with improved weather the future is beginning to look brighter.
Maintenance of the sensory garden can recommence and we are hoping the young people of Uddingston Grammar will enjoy spending time in this outdoor space.
If you would like to help with maintenance and/or are able to donate items to the sensory garden e.g. compost, plants, tools, bird boxes etc then please email Mrs Hall at gw12hallemma2@glow.sch.uk.
APRIL'S FLOWER OF THE MONTH - THE SWEET PEA
The Sweet Pea has been chosen as this month's flower of the month. A colourful and fragrant plant which is easy to grow and comes in a range of colours. Ideal for planting mid spring and prefer a sunny spot.
For more information on the sweet pea log onto https://www.gardenersworld.com/how-to/grow-plants/how-to-grow-sweet-peas/
10/8/20 - RETURN TO SCHOOL
Well, what a year so far! Whilst in lockdown some of you may have been able to enjoy a spot of gardening. Unfortunately due to lock down access to the schools sensory garden has been limited therefore there will be much pruning to be done once we return to school. Currently, all clubs are on hold due to social distancing but if you fancy helping out with a spot of gardening please see Mrs Hall. In the meantime please enjoy these live webcams of various wildlife in their natural habitats.
https://explore.org/livecams/brown-bears/brown-bear-salmon-cam-brooks-falls
https://explore.org/livecams/bald-eagles/decorah-eagles
https://explore.org/livecams/mpala/african-watering-hole-animal-camera
https://explore.org/livecams/panama-canopy/panama-fruit-feeder
https://www.webcamtaxi.com/en/usa/florida/miami-coral-city-urban-reef.html
https://explore.org/livecams/owl-research-institute/charlo-montana-osprey-nest
4/3/20 - RHS L2 - PRINCIPLES OF HORTICULTURE
RHS Level 2 – Principles of Horticulture
Castlebank Horticultural Centre will be offering the ‘RHS Level 2 Certificate in the Principles of Horticulture’. This qualification is designed for individuals wanting a route to employment in professional horticulture or further development. The theory-based qualification helps learners by assessing their knowledge of the principles which underpin horticultural practices. The qualification is comprised of two certificates:
• RHS Level 2 Certificate in the Principles of Garden Planning, Establishment and Maintenance
• RHS Level 2 Certificate in the Principles of Plant Growth, Health and Applied Propagation
The qualification will be delivered at Castlebank Horticultural Centre, which is located within the historic Castlebank Park in Lanark. The Horticultural Centre features a recently renovated Community Hub building and a community growing area with multiple raised beds and polytunnels. Students will have the chance to enhance their theoretical learning by viewing practical demonstrations or undertaking practical activities within the Horticultural Centre or wider area of Castlebank Park.
The qualification will be taught by Castlebank Horticultural Centre’s Educational Gardener, a post which is funded through the National Lottery Community Fund.
COURSE ENROLMENT
The ‘RHS Level 2 Principles of Horticulture’ course will commence on 21 September 2020.
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Castlebank Horticultural Centre is offering one young person the chance to receive a bursary award to complete the ‘RHS Level 2 Certificate in the Principles of Horticulture’.
If you are interested in finding out more about this course or requesting an application form, please contact us on info@lanarktrust.co.uk or call 01555 728 329.
29/1/20 - HAPPY NEW YEAR
With the winter chill still in the air not much has been happening in the SG so far this year. However today the SG Club will be meeting to discuss plans for the year ahead as well as carry out some gardening and maintenance. Further updates to follow (and hopefully some sunshine)!
30/10/19 - NATIONAL LOTTERY HERITAGE FUND
Thanks to the National Lottery Heritage Fund members of the Sensory Garden have been able to visit places of historical interest within Uddingston and Bothwell. They have also had the opportunity to document their excursions using a new digital camera in order to create an informative and eye-catching noticeboard about Uddingston's heritage. The board will be displayed within the school for all to see and learn more about Uddingston's history.
In addition, the Heritage grant from the National Lottery has enabled pupils to purchase two talking posts which will relay stories and information about the school and wider community to all pupils and visitors.
This has truly been an exciting and interesting project for pupils to participate in and now the school and local community's history can be shared with others.
18/9/19 - SG HERITAGE PROJECT VISITS BOTHWELL CASTLE
SG members visited stunning Bothwell Castle to research and record information about the Castle's heritage and impact on the surrounding area. Pupils were able to explore the castle ruins, collecting facts about the castle as well as use their photography skills to take some eye-catching pictures. This trip is our first outing as part of the SG Heritage Project which will lead to the creation of a display board showcasing the heritage of Uddingston and surrounding areas.
28/8/19 - LOTTERY HERITAGE PROJECT
On the 18th September SG members will be visiting Bothwell Sensory Garden and Bothwell Castle due to the successful grant application from @HeritageFundUK. Members will be using a new digital camera funded by the grant to gather photographs of the castle and old Uddingston in order to create a heritage board which will be displayed within the school. Updates regarding the Heritage Project will be posted on the SGP webpage to keep everyone up to date with the progress being made.
11/6/19 - NEW BINS!
The SG Club are pleased to report that two new bins have been added to the garden helping to keep it a litter free area. With the sun shining the garden area is really starting to bloom and it's great to see the many scented and eye catching plants now flowering. This really is a time for pupils to enjoy their sensory garden.
Follow our latest updates on twitter @UGS_SGP
24/4/19 - SPRING 2019 PHOTO COMP WINNER
Congratulations to Charlotte Deans in S3 whose photograph of daffodils taken in the Sensory Garden was chosen as the winning photograph for this year's SG Club's spring photo comp. Judges included SG Club members and Mr McHugh and all judged felt the picture reflected spring time perfectly! Well done Charlotte.
20/4/19 - ERNEST COOK TRUST
Thank you to the Ernest Cook Trust which donated funds to the Sensory Garden Project. Items bought finally arrived and over the Easter weekend were added to the garden. Items included: bird feeders, bird food, hedgehog house, large bug hotel, plants, tools and a butterfly house. We are also hoping to add a self watering container in the near future. The Sensory Garden Club is grateful for all the financial support they have received and the garden is looking fantastic!
30/1/19 - WILDLIFE PHOTO COMPETITION
Monday 4th February is the launch of SG Club wildlife photographic competition. Hopefully the new bird feeders, birdhouses and bug hotels have attracted more wildlife into the school grounds for all to enjoy. The winning photo will have their photograph framed and receive an amazon voucher. Photographs can be emailed to Mrs Hall @ gw12hallemma2@glow.sch.uk and/or posted on the twitter feed UGS_SGP.
Competition Rules:
- Photograph must be taken inside Uddingston Grammar grounds taken between 4/2/19 and 19/3/19
- Details of when and where the photograph was taken need to be included with the entry
- Grounds include any outside area within the school perimeter
- Photographs must be received before 19/3/19 to be eligible for the competition
- The judges decision is final
- Prize cannot be exchanged
Good Luck!
15/01/19 - WELCOME BACK
SG Club members met for the first time this year after a well deserved break over the Christmas period. The club are enthusiastic about this year's activities which include our big audio post project - information to follow!
This year SG Club will visit a number of different places to gather ideas and further inspiration. This will include trips to:
*Bothwell Sensory Garden - gather ideas
*A local garden centre - to purchase products for the school's garden
*Viewpark Allotments and Gardens - to maintain the school's raised bed
*Royal Blind School Edinburgh - to visit their extensive sensory garden
Items the group would currently like added to the garden area include:
*Audio posts
*Bins
*More plants
*Bug hotel
*Hedgehog house
Please read our twitter page @ UGS_SGP for all the latest news!
23/11/18 - TRAIL SIGNS
A big thank you to Mr. Houlihan our facilities manager for placing our sensory garden trail signs around the courtyard. There is now a clear path around the garden prompting pupils to touch, view, smell, listen and taste! The next stage is for more refuse bins to placed around the courtyard and the SGP Club members are looking into additional seating for the garden.
16/11/18 - STAFF QUIZ
The annual Big Fat Uddingston Quiz was held this week with staff managing to raise £150 for the sensory garden project. Monies raised will be spent on additional bird food, soil and bark for our planters. The SGP Club will also be able to use the money raised to fund a visit to Viewpark Allotments and Gardens in order to maintain the schools raised bed.
3/10/18 - ERNEST COOK TRUST
The Sensory Garden had a financial boost this week with a successful grant application from the Ernest Cook Trust. Funds received are to be spent on tools, plants and a wildlife camera.
'The Ernest Cook Trust is one of the UK’s leading outdoor learning charities. Rooted in the conservation and management of the countryside, the Trust actively encourages children and young people to learn from the land through hands-on outdoor learning opportunities on its estates and by offering grants.'
Further information about the trust can be found on their website: http://ernestcooktrust.org.uk/
30/8/18 - S1 FRESHERS FAIR
Uddingston Grammar hosted it's annual Freshers Fair on Thursday which provided a wide range of clubs promoting extra curricular activities. The Sensory Garden Club had a stall and pupils were made aware of the work being undertaken by the club as well as details of how to join up. Pupil responses were sought in relation to what they liked about the sensory garden and what they would like added. Below follows a small sample of some of their responses:
Fresher Fair 30/8/18 Feedback:
What do you like best about the Sensory Garden at the moment:
- I love the water feature it’s great!
- It’s green
- I like the smell
- I love the look of it
Is there anything you would add to the Sensory Garden?
- I wish it had roses & peony’s
- More variety of flowers
- Add more flowers and bird feeders
From these comments an action plan has been established as follows:
*Plant a wider range of colourful flowers throughout the garden
*Add additional bird feeders
*Purchase more bird food and bulbs
21/8/18 - WORKS PROGRESSING
An exciting week for the SGP with works finally commencing! Bed 1 has been raised with a variety of sensory plants included within it such as parsley, lavender, horseradish, garlic, grasses and more! In addition a couple of benches have been installed, solar powered water feature (just need the sun) planks on top of the pergola, additional plants such as buddleia, grasses, bamboo and ivy. Temporary picnic benches have been installed which will eventually be replaced with more permanent seating.
There is still plenty to do including:
edging to be fixed
additional bins
further planting
seated planters to run alongside the walls, installed and planted
large octagonal picnic bench
1 x standard picnic bench
sponsorship plaque
history of Uddingston Grammar information to be displayed
additional painting of structures
sensory signage
Our next SGP club meeting will take place in the garden 12:40 Weds 22/8/18. All welcome.
27/6/18 - DOBBIES DELIVERY
It's been a busy week for the SGP with a large delivery from Dobbies including plants, pots, bird boxes, bird feeders, bug hotel and many more items which have been very kindly donated to the project. A big thank you to Mr Houlichan, Mr McHugh, Mrs Brown and pupils for helping to plant and secure many of our new features. Also thank you to Uddingston Pride who will be donating climbing roses and clematis to grow up and over the pergola.
5/8/18 - OPEN DAY @ VIEWPARK GARDENS
Uddingston Grammar are the proud owners of a raised bed at the allotment and there will be an open day on 5th August for all pupils and their families to attend should they wish to. For more details about the event check out their website:
AUGUST: WORK TO BE CARRIED OUT....
- Emptying bed 1 of shrubs, lining and raising bed and adding sensory plants
- Replacing and repairing rotten beds
- Fitting a water feature to bed 2
- Adapting the pergola and adding climbing ivy
- Adding plants to bed 3 such as a butterfly bush
- Fitting small benches to the grassy areas
- Adding wooden borders to clearly define the path
- Adding a large table with seating
We can't wait for the work to get underway and for the garden to take shape.
30/5/18 - TRIP TO DOBBIES SANDYHOLM
A big thank you to Dobbies Sandyholm for donating £1000 worth of products for the Sensory Garden Project. A fantastic boost to our project, this week SGP members visited the store to decide what the group should purchase for the garden. Ideas included planters, bird feeders, storage box, bug hotels, seating, and lots and lots of different plants.
18/4/18 - SNAP SURVEY
SGP members conducted a snap survey today with the following results:
Q1. Have you heard about the Sensory Garden Project?
Q2. Do you know what a Sensory Garden is?
Q3. Does the school need more outdoor seating areas?
Q4. Do you use the courtyard space outside during breaks and lunchtimes?
Q5. Would you like more wildlife around the school?
Q6. Do the courtyard areas need more litter bins?
Q7. Do you know about the Sensory Garden twitter page?
Q8. If the outdoor area was nicer would people respect it more?
Q9. Would CCTV help people respect the outdoor area?
Q10. What would you like to have added to an outdoor space?
Q10 Responses:
more seating, tables, bins, flowers, pond, benches, more trees, more plants, swing, swing park
Action points:
- Further promotion of Sensory Garden Project including twitter page
- Raise awareness and understanding of sensory gardens
- More seating, wildlife, bins in the courtyard area
- CCTV to be installed
17/4/18 - LEARNING THROUGH LANDSCAPES
Gordon MacLean from Learning Through Landscapes visited Uddingston Grammar today to provide training and information for members of staff regarding Outdoor Learning. The session proved very informative and gave the attendees plenty of ideas on how to promote and deliver outdoor learning to all our pupils.
16/4/18 - GREGGS FOUNDATION
The fundraising efforts of the SGP had another boost this week with a successful grant application from the Greggs Foundation. We are moving ever closer to our target and it is great to be supported by individuals as well as local and national companies.
13/3/18 - FOR LATEST UPDATES VIEW TWITTER FEED @UGS_SGP
Working on creating tactile boards for the garden and planting lettuce, pepper and tomato seeds #SGPClub pic.twitter.com/U55mM8mAU1
— Sensory Garden Project (@UGS_SGP) 12 March 2018
28/2/18 - SG MERCHANDISE
Sensory Garden Mugs have arrived!
You can support the Sensory Garden Project by purchasing one of our mugs with SG logo. Priced at £6.50 each they come in a variety of colours including: orange, light green, dark green, pink, blue and red. All proceeds go towards the Sensory Garden Project fund. Please email Mrs Hall or call 01698 80 50 50 to order.
29/1/18 - SENSORY GARDEN SIGN
A very big thank you to Mr Corbett our Technical Technician for creating an eye catching and beautiful sign for the Sensory Garden. The sign is clear, colourful and bright and will clearly mark out the garden area within the school grounds.
23/1/18 - SUPPORT FROM LOCAL BUSINESSES
A big thank you to Marini's Uddingston for collecting monies on behalf of the Sensory Garden Project. The fast food chain very generously allowed collections to be taken within their shop on Uddingston Main St and this has now been added to the overall collection. For an up to date tally of our fundraising please view the thermometer below.
16/1/18 - ORDERS: MUGS, T-SHIRTS & KEYRINGS
Orders for mugs and t-shirts with the Sensory Garden logo on will be placed at the end of January. Mugs and t-shirts (sizes available XS/S/M/L/XL) come in white with the logo printed in colour. Mugs available are similar to the one shown below. If you are interested in ordering these items with all profits going towards the Sensory Garden Project please email Mrs Hall or contact the school office with your request.
Prices:
Mugs £6.50
T-Shirts £8.50
Keyrings £1
15/1/18 - SGP TWITTER FEED GOES LIVE
To be kept up to date with all the latest news linked to the Sensory Garden Project follow our twitter page -
19/12/17 - UPDATE: SG LOGO
Thank you to Mrs Lowe in the Technical Department for making our Sensory Garden logo digital. The Sensory Garden logo was originally hand drawn by S5 pupil Kiara MacInnes and now that the image has been digitised the logo will be able to be transferred to other formats for example on to our own t-shirts, mouse pads, mugs and more!
12/12/17 - UPDATE: SUPPORT FROM TUNNOCKS
The Sensory Garden Project was given a huge boost this week by local business, Thomas Tunnock Limited.
Project leaders Emily Gibbons (S5 pupil) and Mrs E Hall met with Mr Boyd Tunnock C.B.E to relay their plans for a Sensory Garden at Uddingston Grammar School. This was met with great enthusiasm and support from the Uddingston businessman. Mr Tunnock is a strong supporter of the school and he is keen to help with the project. He recognises the value and benefits that the project holds for many of Uddingston Grammar School pupils and the wider community. On behalf of Thomas Tunnock Limited a cheque was presented to Emily Gibbons and Mrs E Hall and by Mr Boyd Tunnock C.B.E to enable the project to get off the ground enabling the project to get started.
The project intends to update an existing courtyard into a more useable outdoor space primarily for our pupils who have a visual impairment, pupils in the wider school and teaching staff. Our local community would also benefit from this resource. Sensory gardens are proven to be therapeutic especially for young people with sensory issues. Once completed the garden area will be used by pupils during recreational time and provides greater opportunity for outdoor learning for all pupils. The project hopes to attract more wildlife into the area through the use of bird feeders and bug hotels also the use of wind chimes all made by Uddingston Grammar School pupils will add a unique and personal touch to the garden. The raising of beds will also make the area more accessible and interesting for wheelchair users and pupils with mobility issues.
The project is in the process of raising funds to create and install the Sensory Garden and is appealing to local businesses, clubs and individuals to get involved with the project. If you feel you can help with the creation, installation and maintenance of a sensory garden at Uddingston Grammar School please contact Mrs E Hall at:
FUNDRAISING
Provided by CoolFundraisingIdeas.net
PROJECT ROOTS
The Sensory Garden is a Project being led by the pupils and staff of Uddingston Grammar School and they are working hard to raise funds for such an amazing project. Please talk with Mrs Hall and Emily Gibbons to find out more, and to get involved. Information about the project is lower down this page:
- Mrs Hall's email address
A group of dedicated and enthusiastic pupils who are trying to create a sensory garden within the school grounds. The idea behind the sensory garden is to create a more engaging and relaxing space for all pupils to enjoy and this facility would particularly be of benefit to our many of the pupils whom the school provides support to.
The garden that we intend to build would improve the health and wellbeing of all Uddingston Grammar School pupils and sensory gardens have been proven to be greatly beneficial and extremely therapeutic. We have chosen a courtyard space between one of the wings of the building which is badly in need of regeneration. Within the chosen area we intend to add wind chimes and bird feeders which have been made by the pupils.
We are hoping to attract more wildlife into the garden area such as bees and butterflies through bug hotels also made by the pupils. In addition, we intend to repair and raise the existing sleeper beds to make them more accessible for wheelchair users, plant pretty flowers and add a wildlife camera for sight, a solar powered water feature for sound, tactile boards for touch, and a herb garden for taste. As well as lots of seating for pupils to enjoy the garden area at breaks, lunchtimes and potentially during lessons should the teachers wish to use it as a venue for teaching.
For the project to succeed we are seeking sponsors to help with the establishment of our garden. Our current projected costs which have been taken from a sensory garden which was constructed at Hamilton Grammar recently are estimated as follows:
SG PROJECTED COSTS
Solar powered water feature 153.95*
RSPB wildlife camera 139.99*
Large table with seating 500.00*
1 x picnic bench 399.99*
2 x giant half barrel planters 179.80*
Storyteller chair 250.00*
2 x bum stool large 89.98*
5 x 100l of landscape bark 32.45*
6 x isabel planter bench 659.94*
2 x norbury corner planters
Sensory garden sign: being created by the Technical Department 79.98*
2 x composter 220L 39.98*
10 x Jack's Magic All Purpose Compost 60L 54.90*
4 x didcot bins 1400.00*
Wind chimes & bird feeders: made by students
Bug hotels: made by students
Planting: done by students
Repair, fill and plant three raised sleeper beds 3500.00*
To supply list of plants and tools (plants to be planted by school) 700.00*
Construction and maintenance: staff, students, volunteers
*All costs are estimated and subject to change
HOW TO DONATE
We are therefore looking to raise funds in the region of £10000 to cover the majority of costs. We are seeking grants and sponsorship. If you feel you could help with our project please contact Mrs Hall via email or call the school directly on 01698 80 50 50 where you will be provided with the relevant bank details.