Neve’s Sensory Garden

I was invited by the Dandy family to design and build a sensory garden for their 6 year old fun-loving daughter Neve who suffers from Dravet syndrome. Dravet syndrome is a severe and rare form of epilepsy and any number of things from a giggling fit to a rise in temperature could trigger a life-theratening seizure. These conditions meant that Neve’s time in the garden was limited so they wanted to make sure she could enjoy it as much as possible when she had the chance. Neve always enjoyed playing on outside musical instruments so the family applied to Variety UK for a grant to purchase some. Once received they wanted to integrate them into the garden somehow without taking it over completely. The garden had had a design and build done previously and the family also have an older Son who enjoyed football so they also wanted to keep the space for him to enjoy too. After looking round the garden we decided on making four sensory “pods” for each instrument. Each pod would have all the sensory elements – different size and coloured gravel / slate / grit for visual and sound under foot – thyme, rosemary & lavender for smell, tall grasses for touch. Along with these I made each pod a mini-beast too add to the enjoyment, I offered several designs but they decided on a Bee, Caterpillar, Ladybird and Butterfly. Since completing the garden Neve has had lots of opportunity to enjoy each pod and also managed to have her very first birthday tea party in the garden to. You can learn more about Neve on this link, she had her 15 mins of fame in the Daily Mail ! http://home.bt.com/lifestyle/familyhome/parenting/too-much-fun-could-kill-my-daughter-11363898489351

For more information on Neve and to donate please go to www.stayclosetoneve.com

For more pictures see our FaceBook page.

Ben put a great deal of thought into the designs and was a real perfectionist when it came to making them a reality. I am delighted with the end result and more importantly so is Neve, who wants to be out there all the time. I would wholeheartedly recommend Ben and Greenbee Gardening. Ben has a real passion and enjoyment of his work, combined with excellent knowledge. Our special garden has more than met my expectations and made a very precious little girl very happy.

Rebecca Dandy