All the gardens are rich in sights, sounds, aromas, textures and flavors, but a sensory garden it amplifies each of these vital elements and envelops everyone who passes by in a cocoon of well-being and pleasure.
The more senses we engage, the richer the experience – you’ll already have a sensitive attention to detail and turn your garden into a sensory feast. So let your imagination run wild to create a bespoke space that will excite you, your friends and family.
Focus on the feeling of security and seclusion, as these are the feelings that will make you want to stay. They are carefully designed to be in tune with how we experience everything we see, hear, smell, touch and feel in the garden.
This is more important than ever in a post-Covid world as we are all appreciating outdoor spaces that make us feel happy and safe, particularly for our mental health.
But, planning one requires a certain amount of extra care. With the five senses – sight, smell, sound, touch and taste – at the forefront, you can fill the room with some very special ideas. See some:
bring light
Plan areas of light and shade, maximizing natural light where it’s needed – it lifts the spirit and makes even the most compact outdoor space feel more airy.
One mirror will perform the trick of effectively doubling the available lighting, however, always be careful never to place reflective surfaces in hot sun (due to fire hazard), or where birds can fly over them and get hurt.
Scents front and center
Flowers in sensory gardens have a dual function: color and form, as well as fragrance. There is great pleasure in a beautifully scented space, whether it’s the fragrant scent as you run your hands through the lavender, or the fresh scent of basil. Make a selection of fragrant plants.
It is recommended to position them along a path, in vases near doorways or as part of a scented border.
Enjoy the natural sounds
Whether it’s the gentle rumble of a water fountain – a simple solar-powered model will do the trick – grasses in the breeze, gentle wind chimes, chirping birdsong or a pollinator, natural sound is crucial. Include seedlings that make quiet noises when the wind passes through them.
And to create a living dimension to these sensory sounds, encourage wildlife by planting insect-attractive species and hanging bird feeders and houses or insect hotels.
A touch of comfort
When you’re relaxing in your sensory garden, you’ll want to feel comforted and pampered. Think natural fibers or vintage fabrics when choosing furniture for the space, which should also be as comfortable and organic as possible.
Focusing on natural pieces will help produce an authentic and welcoming environment. Prefer muted, understated tones such as pale green, terracotta and delicate mustard over dramatic monotones or harsh contrasts.
Taste your homemade herbs
Being able to pick up a handful of homemade fresh herbs – basil, rosemary, oregano and the curry plant (Helichrysum italicum), which smell amazing—it’s the simplest, most cost-effective way to feel a tangible connection to your garden.
You can also grow easy vegetables and fruits in pots, such as tomatoes, raspberries, and strawberries.
Find a place to focus
In addition to a lush mix of tropical and native plants, choose to add a series of low-key deck ideas for contemplation. However, if you are short on space, why not create a corner with a natural bench or a hanging chair in a quiet corner, sheltered from the noise of the rest of the house? Perfect for reading a book or resting.
divide your environment
Despite appearing to be abundant, with flowers, scents, light, shade (don’t forget, you’ll need shade ideas to protect yourself from the hot sun and occasional rain) and relaxing elements, your garden must also be tidy.
When considering layout ideas, think about zoning, to help you understand all the different senses you’re appealing to. You can have an ‘excitement’ zone in a sunny location, with flowers in warm, vibrant colors, like oranges and reds, for example. Or a ‘touch zone’ with perennials or with glossy or textured leaves.
Always work with nature
Whether you have an urban backyard or a piece of land in the countryside, it is highly likely that beyond your own boundaries there is something beyond to provide a natural context for your ideas.
Therefore, when planning your sensory garden, position crucial elements such as water features, seating and viewing areas to take advantage of the trees, shrubs and attractive views in the background. A hammock draped over a pole in a neighbor’s shade can help you feel connected to nature.
Enjoy the night garden
As the sun goes down and night starts to fall, this space can become even more stimulating. Bring in relaxing elements such as soft lighting, a canopy, candle or pergola, and see garden trellis ideas for adding fragrant climbing plants such as jasmine and honeysuckle – the scent is always strongest at night.
Stimulate all the senses
Look for easy ideas that help hold everything together. While it’s good to have specific elements dedicated to stimulating and enhancing each sense, also consider the overall palette of the environment, which should be calm and relaxing.
*Via Ideal Home