A Sensory Experience

Jennifer Polanz

Sensory gardens have a wide range of uses, and now hospitals, therapy centers, senior centers and even schools and daycares are beginning to use them as a way to assist in a variety of pursuits, from rehabilitation to healing and education. They’re a safe way for people of all ages to explore the textures, sights and sounds of nature.

The most important aspect of a sensory garden is to touch all five senses. That requires plants and accessories that smell, make sound, are vibrant colors, in some instances can be tasted and touched. Great additions to sensory gardens include running water, stepping stones, wind chimes, flags and garden art.

Any plant that stimulates the senses can work in a sensory garden, but if you need some inspiration, here are just a few suggestions from the Natural Learning Initiative via the College of Design at North Carolina State University. For more suggestions, visit www.naturalearning.org.

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Pictured: The U.S. Botanic Garden offers a mix of colors, textures and smells, as well as running water in its sensory garden for children.

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Perennials
Allium schoenoprasum (chives)
Aloysia triphylla (lemon verbena)
Mentha x piperita (peppermint)
Ocimum basilicum (sweet basil)
Perovskia atriplicifolia (Russian sage)
Sedum spp.
Stachys byzantina (Lamb’s ear)

Groundcovers
Ajuga reptans
Lysimachia nummularia (Creeping Jenny)
Ophiopogon japonicus (mondo grass)
Thymus vulgaris (common thyme)

Ornamental Grasses
Calamagrostis x acutiflora (feather reed grass)
Muhlenbergia capillaris (Pink muhly grass)
Nassella tenuissima (Mexican feather grass)

Small shrubs
Lavandula stoechas (Spanish lavender)
Rosmarinus officinalis (Rosemary)

Edibles
Fragaria ananassa (strawberries)
Vaccinium spp. (blueberries) GP