How to Create a Sensory Garden

Ever heard of the term ‘sensory garden’? This particular type of outdoor space is designed to stimulate the senses through touch, scent, sight, sound and even taste! Perfect for children and adults alike, we’re going to look at some different ways that you can achieve the ultimate sensory environment in your own garden.

Sight

This is probably the easiest sense to cater for! Variation is key to an aesthetically-pleasing garden, and adding visual interest such as plants that creep, climb or simply stand upright can certainly help. 

Colour is also important. For year-round colour, opt for plants with vibrant bark, berries or foliage. Amelanchier lamarckii is a lovely tree that provides ever-changing colour throughout the year, starting from white flowers during springtime to brilliant dark orange foliage during autumn.

Sound

Tranquil sounds can help turn your garden into a relaxing haven all year round. The sound of water is particularly soothing - you should definitely consider adding a water feature, or if you have the space, a pond! 

Alternatively, you could choose plants that make noise when wind passes through them. Bamboo stems are an excellent example, especially as they will also add to the aesthetic and feel of your outdoor space. For an easy option, wind chimes are a good choice!

Scent and Taste

When you think of garden scents, the first thing that probably comes to mind is freshly-cut grass. You can go one step further than this by adding scented plants.

Honeysuckle is perfect during the colder season as it produce lovely-smelling flowers in mid-winter! Adding herbs and spices is also a great way of adding scents and of course tastes to your outdoor space. Try mint, rosemary, thyme, oregano and sage. Top tip: you’re best waiting until early spring to plant them as they can be vulnerable to root damage when it’s cold.

Touch

For children, texture is one of the most important senses! Consider spreading gravel, pebbles or cobbles around your garden, something that always feels nice to walk on! You could go one step further and incorporate wood-effect accessories to your garden such as log stepping stones for the ideal sensory experience.

Landscape World Can Help

If you’d like more advice on creating the ultimate sensory garden, head to Landscape World in Widnes! We’re always on hand to offer guidance on all things landscaping and paving.