The outdoors holds a multitude of educational possibilities.

From the aromas of plants to the buzzing creatures that live there, gardens can bring mundane textbooks to life.

Now pupils at a Whetstone school will have the opportunity to take their lessons away from the classroom and awaken their senses.

Oakleigh School, in Oakleigh Road North, last week unveiled a sensory garden for pupils to broaden their understanding of the natural world.

The school, which teaches 45 children between the ages of two and eleven with disabilities and special needs, was presented with the former RHS Chelsea Flower Show exhibition garden on Thursday.

It was donated by lifestyle company Jo Malone and is full of interesting scents and textures for children to experience up close.

Oakleigh School headteacher Jenny Gridley said: "Having a sensory garden is great for some of the children who have complex needs, and this will really develop their senses.

"In terms of a sensory experience, it's amazing. It gives the children a chance to come away from our school and experience the world outside our door.

"They will be learning things through their senses, and learning in that way is one of the primary ways we pick up on things."

The green-fingered work is designed to tie in with the national curriculum as well as enable pupils to get a hands-on feel for the environment.

"They will learn how to grow things themselves and, by looking after the site, they can become part of something when they are here," Mrs Gridley added.

"It keeps them healthy and teaches them much more than just sitting in a classroom. It has become a plant pot world in schools."

The garden is located in an allotment close to the school and will be used by children, parents and staff.

It was designed by florist Matthew Dickinson, who also helped move and replant the space, which consists of raised beds, shrubs and decking to make it easier for the children to move around.

Mr Dickinson said: "The children will feel relaxed when coming to the garden, and they can touch and work with the plants.

"There are a lot of benefits to interacting with plants. The smells and colours are really stimulating, and this gives the children a real chance to get involved."