Sensory Garden Project

Bristol Paints Kotara is a local business that wants to make a difference in their community. Graeme Wilkins and his team were approached to see if they could support our sensory garden trail ride, and they were excited to take part.

The plan for the sensory garden is to make it bright, interactive, colourful and engaging. To achieve this effect, we knew that we needed bright colours that could be used to paint the recycled tyre retaining walls and planters throughout the garden.

Bristol Paints Kotara has provided the paint we need to start creating an explosion of colour in the garden. We would like to thank Bristol Kotara for their generous donation. Bristol Paints Kotara can be found at 14 Northcott Drive, Kotara. Graeme and his team can be contacted on (02) 4956 1099 or via the Bristol website at www.bristol.com.au

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Building Product Supplies Thornton Donate Cement

“Building Products Supplies manufacture and distribute an extensive range of specialised performance and quality guaranteed products for the Australian building, construction, home improvement/renovation and landscaping industries. Building Products Supplies is a major supplier of general purpose and blended cements, hydrated lime, sand, dry-mix products and well over 200 other associated building and construction products.”

Our riding trail, which will meander through the sensory garden, will be created by mixing crusher dust with cement to provide a level surface that is safe for all two and four legged guests. We knew that we would need a lot of cement, and approached Building Products Supplies Thornton to see if they could help. We were invited to write to them requesting assistance, and we were quickly contacted to say that they would donate 40 bags of cement.

As the creation of the trail ride has been continuously pushed back to accommodate very wet conditions for months, which hampered efforts in some areas of the garden, Building Products Supplies have agreed to hold on to the cement until we need it. We thank them for their support and kindness in donating and storing the cement for when we need it.

Building Products Supplies is located at 10 Kestral Avenue, Thornton and can be contacted on (02) 4964 4208 or via their website at www.bpsaust.com.au.

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Bunnings Warehouse Maitland Donate Plants and Paint

Bunnings Maitland “is committed to participating in the communities in which [they] operate by contributing to local … charities and organisations … Bunnings also regularly makes donations of goods and services to local community groups in need.”

Bunnings Maitland’s strong commitment to their community encouraged us to apply for support for our Sensory Garden Trail Ride Project. They were eager to help us and were kind enough to consider a number of options for us.

As a result, Bunnings Maitland has donated two established proteaccae, numerous native grasses and native shrubs/plants (you will see these scattered throughout the garden). In addition, we were able to select a number of cans of mistint paint to use in the garden or elsewhere at the Centre.

We would like to thank Bunnings East Maitland for their generous donation towards our sensory garden. Bunnings Maitland is located at Cnr New England Highway & Bungaree Street, Maitland and can be contact on (02) 4939 1400 or via their website at www.bunnnings.com.au

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Campvale Landscape Garden Supplies Donate Sand

Peter and Chris Toth operate Campvale Landscape Garden Supplies, which is a local business, serving local people. They are committed to the local community and help local charities and projects when they can. When they were approached to see if they could support our sensory garden trail ride, they were excited to take part.

Peter and Chris asked how they could best help with products to develop the garden. We requested a trailer load of packing sand, if they could manage it. In response, they asked how much we really needed. In the end, they donated an entire truck load of packing sand with free delivery.

The sand will be mixed with soil and mushroom compost, to create a free draining garden environment, that will enable our plants to take hold and grow strongly. With our heavily laden clay soil, this is a vital step in ensuring our garden is a success well in to the future.

We would like to thank Peter and Chris Toth for their generous donation. Campvale Landscape Garden Supplies can be found at 917 Richardson Road, Campvale. Peter and Chris can be contacted on (02) 4982 8576 or via their mobile on 0408 108 915.

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Forests NSW Donate Rose Myrtles

Forests NSW sustainably manage more than 2 million hectares of native and planted forests for a wide range of economic, environmental and social values to internationally recognised standards. Forests NSW ensures the supply of timber to processing industries, offers private forestry and plantation establishment and management services, trades forest-based carbon credits, carries out land repair and mine site rehabilitation, runs nurseries, and also offers timber inspection services.

Due to their expertise in with native plants, we approached Tracey Buckingham at Forests NSW Muswellbrook Nursery for assistance with native plants for our sensory garden. Tracey was very supportive of our sensory garden trail ride and has kindly donated 40 tube stock rose myrtles, along with free delivery to RDA.

We would like to thank Tracey and Forests NSW Muswellbrook Nursery for their support of RDA and people with a disability. For more information, visit their website at www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/forests, call (02) 6543 2622 or drop in to see them at New England Highway, Muswellbrook.

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Heritage Gardens Nursery Donate Weeping Rose

Heritage Gardens Nursery is “a major nursery, not only in the Hunter Valley, but also the whole state, offering a huge range of plants, selected on quality and ability to perform in our location. [They] believe that [they] offer the best advice on what, where and when and how to plant to achieve outstanding results”.

Our sensory garden needed a feature plant to pick up a dull spot. To get ideas to find the best plant for the location, we contacted Bob Dunn and asked his advice. After much enthusiastic discussion, Heritage Gardens Nursery has since kindly donated a lovely weeping rose.

We would like to thank Bob and Heritage Gardens Nursery for their support of our sensory garden. Heritage Gardens Nursery is located on the corner of the New England Highway and Four Mile Creek Road, East Maitland. Bob and his team can be contacted on (02) 4966 5233 or via their website at www.heritagegardens.com.au.

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Hunter Valley Mushrooms Donate Compost

The heavily laden clay soil at RDA presented a unique challenge in creating our sensory garden trail ride. We knew that we would need to improve the quality of the soil, otherwise none of our plants would survive the conditions. After thinking laterally, and fresh on her success in her idea of recycling tyres, Jenny Nicholls thought that locally produced mushroom compost, mixed with sand and soil, would be the answer.

She approached Regina Mullan from Hunter Valley Mushrooms at Campvale, who are the leading mushroom and spawn supplier in the Hunter Valley. Regina jumped at the chance to be a part of our project, and immediately offered the nutritionally rich mushroom compost that is produced as a by product of her business. This meant, that yet again, we can recycle items for our garden, and help save the environment at the same time.

Hunter Valley Mushrooms have donated a number of trailer loads of mushroom compost already, and will provide an ongoing supply throughout the establishment phase. We would like to thank Regina and Hunter Valley Mushrooms for their support of our sensory garden. Hunter Valley Mushrooms can be found at 933 Richardson Road, Campvale and can be contacted on (02) 4982 8343.

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Kiwanis Club of East Maitland

The Kiwanis Club of East Maitland has completed their work in the sensory garden. Over a period of 12 months or so, the Kiwanis members have raised $4,000 to pay for the materials needed to do their work, dismantled a section of an existing fence and realigned the remaining fence posts, built a new fence running almost 100 metres (including gateways), built a fence enclosure around the entire sensory garden area to keep the horses out, dug irrigation channels and installed irrigation tubing.

The final task was to build a paving area, which will be a peaceful place for our riders to sit on benches and view the entire garden. After a few challenges, the paved area was completed in early September.

Throughout Kiwanis’ involvement with the sensory garden, they have remained cheerful, despite repeated working bee re-scheduling due to the unprecedented wet weather we have had over the last six months. Their generous support and hands on approach has created a real connection between RDA and Kiwanis, and many have watched the sensory garden develop from grassy paddock to a place rich with textural and visual appeal for our riders to enjoy.

We would like to thank the Kiwanis Club of East Maitland for their long term support of the sensory garden and RDA. They have been an integral part of creating the garden and making it come to life.

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Macka's Sand & Soil Supplies Donates Sandy Loam

Bruce Mackenzie has always shown an interest in Riding for the Disabled. His affiliation with our sister club, Alexander Park Dressage Club, has meant that he has kept himself up to date with what is happening at the Centre. In his role as Central Ward Councillor (Port Stephens) he has actively supported RDA projects.

When approached about our sensory garden, Bruce enthusiastically joined the team of local community donors. Through his company, Macka’s Sand & Soil Supplies, he has donated 44 tonnes of sandy loam in June 2011. The sandy loam will be mixed with mushroom compost to create a nutritious garden bed that will improve the quality of our heavily laden soil.

In October 2011, we needed more sandy loam to complete the task. Macka's Sand & Soil Supplies generously provided free delivery of a truck and dog of sandy loam. Our Centre is so grateful for the support of such a community minded local business.

Macka’s Sand & Soil Supplies is located at Nelson Bay Road, Salt Ash. Bruce Mackenzie and his team can be contacted on (02) 4982 6227.

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Medowie Tyre & Auto Service Donate Tyres & Use of Trailer

Medowie Tyre & Auto Service specialises in all mechanical repairs, servicing and maintenance. They carry a large range of new tyres to suit all driving conditions and have qualified tyre fitters to carry out repairs.

Ross Muir was approached to consider supporting our sensory garden by providing an in kind donation of tyres for us to use as a retaining wall and colourful (when painted) planters. Ross expressed his interest in supporting a local charity that helps people with a disability in our community. He understood the significance of a sensory garden, and the therapeutic and learning opportunities that would be available to our riders, drivers and their families/carers.

Ross Muir agreed to donate tyres for the garden. He enquired how we would transport them to RDA, and kindly loaned his trailer for this purpose. Ross has donated 132 old tyres for recycling throughout the garden.

Medowie Tyre & Auto Service is located at 701 Medowie Road Medowie and is open from 5am - 7.30 pm (weekdays) & 6/7am -6pm (weekends). Ross Muir and his team can be contacted on (02) 4982 8304.

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Our Town Fencing Donate Fence Panels

Jenny and Richard Nicholls thought outside the square when they considered how to include a sculpture in the sensory garden, that introduced a truly three dimensional affect, as well as an interesting element of height. The fantastic idea of using fence panelling to create the sculpture was born.

Tim Smith, Our Town Fencing Heatherbrae, was approached and loved the idea. Tim and his team wanted to support RDA, people with a disability and our volunteers in their work to create our sensory garden. They have provided 40 fence panels, which will be cut, joined and painted into a interactive garden feature.

We would like to thank Tim Smith and Our Town Fencing Heatherbrae for their donation of fence panels. Our Town Fencing is situated at 315 Pacific Highway, Heatherbrae and can be contacted on (02) 4987 5922 or via their website at www.ourtownfencing.com.au

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Parker's Landscape Supplies

Sheree Dedere, of Parker’s Landscape Supplies, has embraced our sensory garden trail ride project. Parker’s Landscape Supplies has donated eight established camellias. The camellias will be planted throughout the garden to create a splash of colour and textural interest.

In September, they donated a large number of mixed plants and plant pots, with an offer of more items to come when we need them. Generosity of this kind, from a local business, is what will make our sensory garden trail ride a true community garden that everyone can enjoy, whether you have a disability or not.

Parker’s Landscape Supplies is a local business, with a focus on the local community. By supporting our project, they are directly supporting and benefiting people with a disability and RDA.

We would like to thank Sheree and Parker’s Landscape Supplies for their contribution to our sensory garden.
Parker’s Landscape Supplies is located in Maitland (30 High Street, Phone 02 4934 1814), Rutherford (Lot 62 New England Highway,
Phone 02 4932 0466) and Thornton (227 New England Highway, Phone 1800 441 814).

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Rainbows End Produce & Landscaping Supplies Support Garden

Peter Clark, of Rainbows End Produce & Landscaping Supplies, has embraced our sensory garden trail ride project. Rainbows End Produce & Landscaping Supplies were approached to see if they could assist with products for the garden. Community support is vital to the completion of the project, and Peter saw this.

Peter has donated gravel as the base for the trail ride path, pavers as a base for a welcoming table and chairs, a bird bath and much more. In addition, Peter asked what else we needed. On our behalf, he immediately contacted two of his suppliers, to see if they could help with sugar cane mulch and cement (to mix with the crusher dust for the trail ride path.)

Rainbows End Produce & Landscaping Supplies is a local business, with a focus on the local community. By supporting our project, they are directly supporting and benefiting people with a disability and RDA.

We would like to thank Peter and Rainbows End Produce & Landscaping Supplies for their contributions to our sensory garden.

Rainbows End is located at 219 New England Highway, Thornton and you can contact Peter on (02) 4964 1320.

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Reece Plumbing Centre Salamander Bay Donate PVC Pipes

Tim Stone, of Reece Plumbing Centre Salamander Bay, has embraced our sensory garden trail ride project.

Reece Plumbing Centre has donated pvc down piping and elbow joints to allow us to directly connect the water overflow outlets of each water tank in the sensory garden to the closest sump drain. The piping has been temporarily fitted, and all of the overflow (which, with the current rains, has been a lot of water) water runs straight in to the drains. This has helped alleviate the water pools which had been developing behind the water tanks. The piping will be permanently fitted once to garden irrigation stage is complete.

Reece Plumbing Centre Salamander Bay is a local business, with a focus on the local community. By supporting our project, they are directly supporting and benefiting people with a disability and RDA.

We would like to thank Tim Stone and Reece Plumbing Centre Salamander Bay for their contribution to our sensory garden. Reece Plumbing Centre is located at 4 Shearwater Drive, Salamander Bay and can be contacted on (02) 4982 2200 or via their website at www.reece.com.au.

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Rocky Point Mulching Donate Mulch

A large number of donated and recycled plants have been planted throughout the sensory garden. To ensure that they received the best introduction to our RDA soil, we needed a large quantity of mulch that would protect the plants from the cold nights of late winter and give them the boost they need for healthy growth in spring.

Peter Clark, from Rainbows End Building & Landscaping Supplies, approached his supplier of mulch on our behalf to seek support. Rocky Point Mulching, based at Woongoolba Qld, happily agreed to help us and very quickly delivered 24 bales of sugar cane mulch.

“Rocky Point Mulching is a third generation farming family producing the best organic gardening products available (including sugar cane mulch). Maintaining a healthy, beautiful, lush green garden and lawn doesn't have to be hard work if you use good quality products. RPM has developed a complete range of quality mulches, soils and fertilisers to help you achieve stunning results.

Due to the size of the garden, we discovered in late September that we needed more mulch that would protect the plants from the heat of summer. Rocky Point Mulching have generously donated another 24 bales for this purpose.

To find your nearest stockist of Rocky Point Mulch, visit their website at www.rpmulching.com.au or call them on (07) 5546 2470.

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Salamander Recycling Centre and The Shed at Salamander

For those of you who have been checking on the progress of the sensory garden, you may have noticed a number of items that you may never have thought to include in your garden at home. Jenny and Richard Nicholls have recently been scouring the kerbs of Medowie and Raymond Terrace, with an aim of finding gems from the Council large collection pick up days.

A number of gems have been found, including the fishing poles, kids table and chairs (which is now a teddy bears picnic area) and a number statues. One such amazing find was the wrought iron ends of an old garden bench. As you may imagine, these were snapped up very quickly.

The Shed at Salamander, which is located in the grounds of Salamander Bay Recycling , was approached to see if they would make and install wooden slats to bring new life to the garden bench. They happily agreed, and the bench now sits towards the far end of the garden. Once the paving area is completed near the garden entrance, the bench will be permanently moved there, with a full view of the length of the garden.

Gerard McClafferty, of Salamander Bay Recycling , has also donated a number of items for the garden. These include pairs of boots, which have since been painted in bright colours and will become planters in the future. His daughter’s boots, which he reluctantly parted with, will be part of a fairy garden.

We would like to thank The Shed at Salamander and Salamander Bay Recycling for their support of RDA and our riding and driving programs.

Salamander Bay Recycling is located at 360 Soldiers Point Road, Salamander Bay and can be contacted on (02) 4994 6244 or via their website at www.salamanderrecycle.blogspot.com.

The Shed at Salamander can be contacted on (02) 4984 6244 or via their website at www.huntervalleyshedclustergroup.org.au/Salamander.html.on

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Terrace Tyre Service Donate Tyres

The sensory garden trail ride needed to have foundation support for the gaps between the carousel and underwater themed water tanks, and between the underwater and jungle themed tanks. A solution to the problem was sought, and the fantastic idea of recycling old car tyres to create a retaining wall to support the curved banks of the trail came to life. In addition, tyres could also be used to raise up certain plants to ensure they had the best chance of flourishing, as well as creating colour when painted.

Terrace Tyre Service were approached to consider supporting our sensory garden. The Nott family, who operate Terrace Tyre Service, loved the project and wanted to support people with a disability. They have provided a total of 50 tyres so far, and have offered to provide further quantities if we need them.

We would like to thank George, Luke and Kyle Nott for their donation of recycled tyres. Terrace Tyre Service is situated at 108 Adelaide Street, Raymond Terrace and can be contacted on (02) 4987 2277.

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Wallsend Nurseries Donated Plants

Recently, David Peterson of Wallsend Nurseries, was approached to assist the development of RDA’s sensory garden trail ride. David was interested in how our riders and drivers could be engaged by all five senses in the garden. As a mad keen gardener, with his own radio spot of 2NUR-FM every Monday from 12.00-1.30pm, he understood the educational value of a garden environment for our riders.

Wallsend Nurseries have embraced our garden concept, and provided over $150 worth of plants.

“[Wallsend Nurseries] have one of the best ranges of plants, garden goodies and giftware available in the Hunter. [They] supply quality plants to the home gardener and the professional alike. [They] are Newcastle's only industry accredited nursery.” Wallsend Nurseries are located at 95 Lake Road, Wallsend. David and his team can be contact via their website at www.greengold.com.au/wallsend/ or by phone on (02) 4951 6960.

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Revised: 22 February 2012