A SENSORY garden which has been specially cultivated for those living with autism will “blossom and bloom” in Greenstead later this year after a DIY SOS-style makeover. 

The seeds of the idea were sown by Colchester Borough Homes’ repairs manager, Mark Derwin, who felt the organisation could do more to deliver facilities for both adults and young people who are autistic.

The new area has been cultivated in Laburnum Grove, Colchester, over the past few months and it is now hoped the project will be completed in the coming weeks.

Gazette: Budding – it is hoped the garden will be in full colour come the springBudding – it is hoped the garden will be in full colour come the spring (Image: Mark Derwin)

Mr Derwin, who credits ACL Essex’s Abberton Rural for developing the facility, has said the area will be a huge asset for people in Greenstead once it comes to fruition in the spring.

He said: “There’s a lady who is one of our customers, and sometimes we are limited as to what we can offer.

“I reached out to Abberton Rural, which is an amazing organisation.

Gazette: New – Abberton Rural has worked on the garden since SeptemberNew – Abberton Rural has worked on the garden since September (Image: Mark Derwin)

“They organised for someone to come around and they have done the garden in a kind of DIY SOS thing – they’ve done a wonderful job.

“They have gone and invested a lot of time and we have reached out to different charities to pull it all together."

The garden itself will have sensory activities, meaning it will go above and beyond in creating a stimulating space for autistic people.

Gazette: Plans – the garden will be experiential when it is finishedPlans – the garden will be experiential when it is finished (Image: Mark Derwin)

The lawn has been stripped back, with benches and a seating area having also been built; flowers and herbs have also been planted ready for the spring.

He continued: “I have been inspired by what they do as an organisation.

“It’s an incredible environment – in the spring, it’s going to be the most amazing space; it will be something good.

Gazette: Project – Mark Derwin has described the garden as 'an incredible environment'Project – Mark Derwin has described the garden as 'an incredible environment' (Image: Mark Derwin)

“The garden itself has got sensory areas and will be very experiential.

“I’ve been in contact with councillor Tim Young saying that as an organisation we should do more for a place like Greenstead, and we want to extend it out to other areas in Greenstead too.

“The children themselves will really benefit from it, and in the spring when we get the different herbs growing, it will keep giving throughout the year.”