KEY+ Group: Tranquil Trails

At Route2Work College, a group of learners came together with a shared goal: to transform a quiet space on campus into a beautiful, accessible sensory garden. Their vision was to create a calming, interactive environment where everyone could relax, explore nature, and feel at peace.

The Tranquil Trails project was more than just planting flowers. The group designed a sensory garden that included a small pond, gentle water features, raised planting beds, scented blooms, textured plants, and peaceful seating areas.

Every element was chosen with care to ensure the space would be engaging and inclusive for all. For some, the best part was “designing the path” (Scott) while others said  “all of it” stood out, with Ryan especially enjoying drawing and designing. Digging the pond was another highlight – a task that took a week!

As they worked, the group built more than just a garden. They developed practical skills through digging, painting, planting, and helping to install features like the pond and fountain. The group enjoyed trying new things. They learned to plan, solve problems as a team, communicate their ideas, and make decisions together. Choosing colours, layouts, and plant types gave them the chance to be creative while making something meaningful.

Spending time outdoors boosted their wellbeing and gave them moments of mindfulness and pride. As their confidence grew, so did their independence – with every task, they learned to use tools safely and complete jobs with less support. They also navigated challenges like managing their time, taking on responsibilities, and working with staff in positions of authority.

By the end of the project, they hadn’t just built a sensory garden – they’d built a space where everyone at college could feel calm, included, and connected. Most importantly, they walked away with new skills, stronger friendships, and a lasting sense of pride in what they had achieved together. As Scott said, it brought a “sense of accomplishment”, and for Ryan, he felt “so proud” of their work.