3 Steps to Create a Sensory Garden

A sensory garden is appealing to many for a variety of reasons. This type of garden includes the type of plants and features that can easily appeal to the five senses: smell, touch, sound, taste and sight. Sensory gardens are great for people with disabilities, poor vision or other long-term conditions. Here are three things to consider in the process of creating the perfect sensory garden:

Accessibility

The garden design should be very accessible and include paths or other areas that give complete accessibility to wheelchair users, as well as those with limited physical or sensory functions.
A well-planned garden should be entirely free of toxic substances and sharp edges. Gardens can benefit from a fence boundary that is screened with plants, hedges or shrubs, which is certain to be more appealing to those suffering from dementia. A place to sit and rest is vital so it is important to carefully place the appropriate seating around the garden.

Identify the right plant life

In the process of planning the landscape of the sensory garden, make sure to include plant life for each of the seasons. This makes it possible to have something that is interesting throughout the entire course of the year. For instance, a great choice for the winter is to include a decorative item like holly. The preferred types of flowers and foliage have the ability to introduce visual interest and come in plenty of colours. The sense of smell can benefit from a wide range of scented bulbs, such as the daffodils. Plus, to avoid skin sensitivities it helps to avoid using plants with a very thorny feel to the touch. The preferred option includes the plants with textured leaves that can be touched, yet strong enough to avoid being damaged. It is possible to entice the senses like taste and touch with a variety of edible plants like salad vegetables, mint and nasturtium. This type of garden is certain to benefit from plenty of soft fruit.

Finishing touches

A sensory garden can benefit from extras that help to create sound such as the sound of flowing water with a fountain or the wind chimes. Other sound options include installing bird tables and nesting boxes to help attract the local wildlife. Lights are great to add something different to the landscape. By being creative it is possible to plan the sensory garden that has the ability to appeal to all five senses and makes a very calm and relaxing environment.

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