St Albans City and District Council’s Clarence Park Sensory Garden has been listed as a runner up in the Diversity Achievement of the Year category in the MJ Achievement Awards 2009, local government’s version of the Oscars.

The garden, which was created in 2008 with the aim of catering to the varied needs of people from diverse ethnic backgrounds and the young and disabled, has been a huge success having also come runner up in the East of England Equality Awards 2008.

The concept of a sensory garden was developed following a consultation of the diverse local community that had identified the need for a quiet, reflective space.

The council appointed Groundwork Hertfordshire to lead the project and £18,000 in funding was provided by Lafarge Aggregates.

Work started on the Sensory Garden in April 2008 and once the groundwork was completed in June, those residents who had participated in the design process were invited along to help with the planting of herbs, banana plants and other flora and fauna specially selected for their scent and feel.

Cllr Sheila Burton, portfolio holder for sport and healthy living at St Albans City and District Council, said: “This was a real community effort. The garden was planted in raised beds that are easily accessible to wheelchair users. Local children helped choose plants that are easily identified by either the shape of their leaf or their smell to help visually impaired visitors. Local ethnic groups helped design a quiet sitting area for young mums.