STEPPING into the backyard at Shannon's Bridge is a blank canvas in need of some weeding, a colour splash and community inspiration.
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Creswick primary pupils took a look about late last week, envisaging the types of flowers they might like to see and smell and where they might put some planter boxes they are constructing.
Shannon's Bridge co-founder Claire Hepper said while there was a basic plan for what will become a sensory garden but this was open and flexible to needs, ideas and donations, like working in a pizza oven and four-metre tall wind sculpture.
The garden will be a place offering stillness, reflection and time for patients and carers at the end of life care hub in Creswick.
Dr Hepper said studies have shown gardening can be good for mental health while smells and textures can evoke fond memories and feelings.
The garden will be sensory safe and a big part of this means no prickles, which is why Shannon's Bridge is keen to involve community support.
Creswick Primary School's hands-on learning group is already keen to get involved and put their skills to good use helping others in their community.
Most of the group's projects are school based but they are already planning to raffle off some of their constructions and donate the money they make into Shannon's Bridge.
Creswick primary's student well-being leading teacher Ingrid Humm said pupils had been chosen for the small group to focus on building their confidence and leadership outside the traditional classroom setting. Ms Humm said the Shannon's Bridge sensory garden was a good fit.
"We do a lot of build projects, gardening, cooking and fundraising," Ms Humm said. "Each child has their own goals to achieve in the program in how to work better with others and how to adapt to different situations and show initiative."
Shannon's Bridge is the legacy of Shannon McKnight, who died with leukaemia four years ago. Shannon was 19 years old. She realised her wish to be cared for and to died in her Mount Glasgow home, despite limited access to palliative care.
The charity, also co-founded by Shannon's dad Jeremy McKnight, also works to change attitudes about death and dying, including a broader focus on good living.
- RELATED COVERAGE: Facing death with a smile in Creswick
To help make grow and tend the garden, email shannonsbridge@gmail.com.
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