How to Plant a Sensory Garden

Although most gardens are first and foremost designed to be visually appealing, when stimulating all the senses is made a priority and incorporated a garden plan, the end result can be a very therapeutic and  delightful experience.  Read on to learn how to plant a sensory garden in your own outdoor home space that will include not only visual stimulation but aromatherapy, tactile experiences, soothing sounds and even a taste or two to sample.

Benefits of sensory gardens include heightened awareness through the senses, relaxation and meditational qualities and mental inspiration as well as providing a unique garden experience that can be shared with others if desired. Sensory Gardens need not be large or elaborate; in fact they can even be created in containers and enjoyed on a porch or a deck. Read on to learn how you can easily create your own Sensory Garden. Steps to Plant a Sensory Garden

1. Divide a sunny ground area or deck area if you are using containers, into six individual sections, one for each of our five basic senses and another for sense of imagination if you choose.

2. Plant or place corresponding flowers, fruits and veggies that exemplify the experience in each section or large container spaced a few feet apart, allowing for a space break between the experiences and enjoy.

Plants for Sensory GardenPlants and flowers for sight stimulation: Any flowers that are visually appealing to the gardener will do. Keep in mind that soft pinks, blues and white hues tend to soothe while reds and orange bloom tend to visually stimulate. Choose according to the feel you want to experience. Plants and flowers for scent stimulation:  Herbs are great for scent stimulation and they can also be enjoyed in cooking as well as for taste stimulation in the Sensory Garden. Think Mint, Thyme, Basil, Oregano and Dill if you want to use in cooking or consider Lavender paired with roses for a non-edible traditional garden scent. Plants and flowers for taste stimulation: Herbs (see above) or berry bushes or cherry tomato plants to pluck and enjoy are fine choices. Plants and flowers for tactile stimulation: Lambs Ear plant has a fuzzy feel to it and the wild Jewelweed plant also called “Spotted Touch-Me-Nots”  have seeds that will pop open  when touched adding a fun and interactive element to the garden. Garden accents for sound stimulation: A strategically placed wind chime in your Sensory Garden paired with  a bird bath or small water feature are all you need. Small table top water feature kits with tiny pumps may be purchased at garden centers for approximately $20-30 and can easily be set up in a larger container or plant pot without drainage holes. The splashing water sounds of bathing birds and/or the trickling effect of a small water feature along with the tunes of a soft wind chime is music to the gardener’s ears. Imagination garden ideas: A table top Zen Garden or cairn rock building area invite garden visitors to interact and create and small gnome of fairy homes on display lend a whimsical appeal.