Sensory and Senses Gardens

Sensory and Senses Gardens

All gardens pamper to our senses to a greater or lesser extent. Add features and plants to stimulate sepecific senses   and you will create a sensory and potentially therapeutic garden.

Book CoverMovement and Sound

  • The sound of wind or even a slight breeze can stimulate our aural senses.
  • Grasses are very useful in this situation as the leaves, stems or flowers can rustle together and also make shapes and movement.
  • On a hot summer day pollinating insects may buzz around your flowers.
  • Running water is ever popular in most sensory gardens but take care on behalf of young children.
  • Hard landscaping and path materials should be chosen with sound in mind. Gravel can be nice and crunchy whilst cobbled paths may echo from shoes and boots.

 

Book CoverScent and Smell

  • Do not exclusively think about flowers, important though they may be.
  • One of the most evocative garden scents in cut grass and another can be fresh sweet compost.
  • Crushable leaves are both tactile and give off aromatic oils. Choysia, conifers some pelargoniums and Catmint are worth incorporating.
  • Herbs are obvious winners for aromas and I would include mint, sage, lavender, thyme and rosemary.
  • Interaction in a sensory garden is important so position scented plants where they can be accessed and appreciated.

Book Cover

Senses of the Spirit

  • A good sensory garden will lift the spirits and encourage participation in the garden all different sort of ways.
  • Include a range of tactile items that can be touched or leaves that can be stroked like Lamb’s Ears (stachys byzanthina).
  • Include spaces for resting sitting and pondering. This is also important for attracting and retaining wild life.
  • Sculpture, ornaments, layout and landscaping should be key features.

Other Plants for a Sensory Garden

  • Bellflower, Forget-me-not, Sedum spectabile and Valerian
  • Ferns, Phormium tenax, Hydrangea Serrrata
  • Dead Nettle, Hebe, Shasta Daisy. Mock orange, Buddleia the butterfly bush
  • Zebra grass, Feather Grass, Yarrow and bamboo.

Other Thoughts

  • Give extra thought to health and safety for those who may have some sensory deprivation
  • If the public are to use the garden consider the size and quality of signage and name tags.
  • If the budget allows have a talking trail with verbal commentary.
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