Plants for sensory garden
Sensory gardens are designed to invoke all the senses for maximum impact and enjoyment. They include plants that not only look beautiful ornamentally (sight) but also given off a delicious fragrance (smell) and may rustle in the breeze or attract singing birds (hear). They may include paths lined with wispy grasses or the upright stems of lavender flowers that are brushed past as one strolls around the garden (touch) and include a selection delicious fruit, vegetables and herbs (taste). Flowering perennials and shrubs have attractive, vibrant and often fragrant flowers to attract insects for pollination, but they can be fabulous for people to look at and smell as well, perhaps mixed with architectural plants for form and structure. Taking in the sound of nature is relaxing and good for mental wellbeing – the sound of wind rustling through bamboo, birds singing or the tranquil sound of water flowing through a nearby fountain. Beyond the planting scheme, pebbles, slate or other materials may be used in place to given contrasting senses of touch underfoot. Sensory plants are especially valuable for people with impairments, as well as being fun and interesting for children too.