Sacred Places
Sensory Garden at the Gadsden Public Library, in partnership with CFNEA
An herb garden as vocational training.
WHERE
Gadsden, AL
SETTING
Neighborhood
PARTNER INSTITUTION
The Community Foundation of Northeast Alabama
Visit
Where it is
254 South College Street, Gadsden, AL
What happens here
The garden facilitates learning, encourages teens and youth to be self-directed and motivated, and gives community members a place to find solace, support, and relaxation. The herb garden offers therapeutic learning specifically: a way for students with special needs to build vocational, educational, social, and therapeutic skills into their daily routines.
HOW IT CAME TO BE
Learning with all five senses.
01
The Need
The library is a centre of learning, reflection, and peace, and wanted its Sacred Place to serve the same mission.
02
The Vision
Inspiration came from the desire for children to use all of their senses in learning, and to have a place to grow and heal as well. Aligned with the library's own mission, the garden is centred on inclusion, meant as a haven where the Gadsden community can grow emotionally, spiritually, intellectually, and creatively.
03
The Transformation
The garden is interactive rather than ornamental, built around the enjoyment of herbs and the tending of plants. Its herb garden carries the therapeutic learning function.
WHO TENDS IT
Caitlin Wass
Firesoul, Sensory Garden at the Gadsden Public Library, in partnership with CFNEA
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Fred Smith
Firesoul, Sensory Garden at the Gadsden Public Library, in partnership with CFNEA
Read more →
HEAR FROM THE VISITORS
From the Little Yellow Journal
When weather permits I always have my daily lunch outside in the garden. All the different smells & different insect life amaze me. I love all the different colors & different variety of the plants & flowers. The garden is a safe space to think, cry, or pray if that's your thing.
– Ang.
