Every so often, a project pops up that grabs the imaginations and the hearts of a whole community and the dreams of a sensory garden for COPE Mitchelstown was one such project.

The Mitchelstown Lion's Club do a lot of work in the community and in 2011, they chose the local COPE residence as their chosen charity and as the outdoor facilities for residents were very limited, the idea for a beautiful sensory garden was born.

Since then, people from all walks of life and from across the community of Mitchelstown and further afield have rowed in behind this wonderful project and now it looks as if the residents will be enjoying the garden and all that it has to offer by late spring of next year.

The design for the garden was created by Mary Kiely from Shanballymore and the active fundraising campaign, which began in November of 2011 is still ongoing.

Speaking about the garden and the fundraising that has been done to date, Fr Michael Fitzgerald described the community effort as being wonderful, when he said: "the selfless giving of so many people is an inspiration".

The garden, which will be a sight to behold when it is completed will have meandering footpaths to create a tranquil walkway through the garden, a lot of hedging, a gazebo, which is already beautifully lit for Christmas, a large table and chairs in cast iron with an umbrella so that the residents can stay out while it's sunny but be in the shade, garden swings, a water feature and a lot of coloured stone.

There will also be an outdoor musical instrument, which will be built into the garden, a variety of flowers and shrubs, work tables for gardening and artwork, bird baths and chimes.

The idea behind the garden is that it will be therapeutic and relaxing for the residents, giving them a little oasis to which they can retire, as they soak up the nature around them.

The residents and staff at COPE foundation thanked everyone who made the garden possible, particularly Mary B Barrett and Jim Morrison for their enthusiasm, dedication and perseverance.

A spokesperson said that the garden is designed to stimulate the five senses - touch, sight, sound, smell and taste, adding that the garden will be a sensory delight for the residents.

"Hopefully, the many shrubs will entice many birds to visit and sing and bring new interest to our service users.

"This beautiful outdoor space will give our service users a sense of newfound freedom and a lovely peaceful place to sit and relax or explore with their family, friends or the staff.

"The garden will facilitate our residents to learn about nature and their senses, creating a safe, diverse and developmentally appropriate outdoor activity and learning environment," the spokesperson said.

Mary B Barrett told The Avondhu, that it is thanks to the people of Mitchelstown and their generosity that this dream of a sensory garden is becoming a reality.

"Thank you to the people of Mitchelstown and surrounding areas for their continued support in giving donations, providing spot prizes for raffles and being generous with their time and commitment to fundraising events," she said.

Since November 2011, there have been a number of events in aid of this garden, including a charity auction, table quizzes in The Hunter's Rest and Shanballymore, Bingo, a Tesco hamper raffle and charity Christmas raffle, a concert in Kingston College, a coffee morning, a charity concert in Shanballymore, a fundraiser by Mitchelstown Supermac's, support from the local schools and a play in Kilcoran Lodge Hotel. 

As well as this, Mitchelstown Credit Union gave a donation when the Lion's Club opened up an account for the garden, there was a donation from the Blubberbusters weight loss group, while many small groups and individuals gave generous donations - there was even a very kind and thoughtful donation from a local woman who is now living in America.

Mary B Barrett told The Avondhu, that the COPE sensory garden team are very grateful to everyone who supported the fundraising so far and everyone who has helped with the work to date.

The garden would not have been possible without the help and support from a number of people. These include, Mary O'Kiely, those who brought tools and carried out practical work including Eamonn O'Donnell, Eamonn McGrath, PJ Hennessy, John O'Donnell and Dave Casey, Liam Lewis, William Murphy, Sam Hyland, Liam O'Doherty, Pa Noonan, Pat O'Keeffe, Philip and William Keane, Dr Tim Butler and the horticulture students from St Fanahan's College and TUS and RSS workers from Ballyhoura and Mitchelstown Community Council.

The committee also wish to thank everyone who helped to promote and advertise the campaign, namely The Avondhu, The Corkman and Paddy Ryan who announced updates and events on C103.

"We wish to extend a big 'Thank You' to all involved and best wishes for the Christmas season and New Year," she said.

In the lead up to Christmas, the winter and spring planting began and it is hoped that the whole garden will be complete by late spring.

Anyone who would like to organise a fundraiser can contact Mary B Barrett on 087-2295839 and if any individuals would like to donate funds, they can do so through Mitchelstown Credit Union, account number 26244B.

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