Stimulating environment: Zorran Lucas, 4, is a regular visitor to the garden.
PETALS, pollen and playthings are keeping south-west children in touch with their sensory needs.
Mpower’s garden project is catering to the varied learning patterns of more than 70 special needs children.
The Warrnambool organisation received funding from the Isobel & David Jones Family Foundation for the initiative and planting has taken place since April.
Mpower early intervention assistant Cheryl McKinnon said gardens were naturally sensory environments but Mpower had made it a specific focus in an effort to engage clients with their surroundings.
“The feel of the different plants, the smell, texture, colours are important to the children,” she said.
“We’re also adding to the environment and trying to soften and make it more welcoming and purposeful.
“It’s to encourage the children to explore ... it gives them a sensation which helps toward their learning experience.”
Strawberries, flowering garlic, scented geraniums, lamb’s ear, acacias and native irises are among the fragrant, textured, colourful and edible plants in the garden.
Playground equipment is also being installed to complete the project.