Whether you want to create a garden that partially sighted or disabled people can enjoy or you simply want to add extra interest to your own outdoor spaces, a sensory garden is a great way to create something very special.
What is a Sensory Garden?
A sensory garden is an outdoor space designed to stimulate all of the senses – sight, sound, touch, smell and hearing. A sensory garden is ideal for anyone who has a physical disability which means they cannot always enjoy a traditional garden. For example, a blind person might not be able to see flowers in a traditional garden but in a sensory garden, they can use different senses such as touch or smell to enjoy the space around them.
Of course, sensory gardens aren’t just for people with a disability. With their wide range of sights, sounds, smells and textures they are a delight for everyone and can provide a range of educational benefits for children too.
You don’t need a big space to create a sensory garden. Whilst you could turn your entire garden into a sensory paradise, if space or time is limited you can just choose an area of your garden to add sensory elements to.
How to Create a Sensory Garden
The key to a successful sensory garden is to choose plants and garden accessories that appeal to all the different senses. For example, you could include strong smelling herbs as well as plants with interesting textures or even edible plants. You can also use materials such as gravel or a water feature to provide elements that are appealing to hear and touch.
When designing a sensory garden, think about how people will move through the garden. Try to avoid steps and make sure paths are wide enough to accommodate a wheelchair.
Sight
By introducing a range of different brightly coloured plants and flowers with bold shapes, even visually impaired people may be able to enjoy the overall scheme of your garden. Try and include plants of different heights so that there are interesting sights at low levels as well as higher up. This means people who use a wheelchair will still have plenty to look at. For extra visual interest, try including flowers that attract butterflies.
Sound
As well as looking attractive, water features can provide a range of interesting sounds in the garden. Attracting birds to the garden is also a good way to bring the sound of birdsong into your space. Alternatively, hang a wind chime in your garden for a musical vibe.
Touch
Include several plants that are interesting to touch or consider including sculpture pieces in the garden that can be touched. From timber and gravel to marble and stone – there are lots of different materials that provide a range of different sensations.
Smell
There are of course a wide range of strong smelling flowers you could include in your garden but another great way to introduce smell is with a herb garden – herbs such as rosemary, basil and mint all have a lovely strong scent.
Taste
By including edible plants in your scheme such as vegetables, fruit or herbs you can truly give visitors to your garden a delight for all the senses.
To find out more about enjoying sensory spaces, visit: www.sensorytrust.org.uk
