One of the best ways to improve just about any space is to add a sensory garden. This actually has numerous health benefits and they are actually quite good for people who have disabilities, mental health problems or autism. As such they are common features in places like specialist hospitals and in somewhere like a disabled children school. We will now look at a few tips if you want to create your very own sensory garden.
Positioning and Space
When it comes to creating a sensory garden within your home, you have to choose the best location for it. Of course, the actual size of the garden can be variable and you can use a large area or even go as small as a window box.
In the event that the users of the garden are disabled or don’t have full mobility, you should ensure that your garden is accessible for them. You should also use good flooring so that it isn’t a hazard.
You can use wooden planters or even raised beds so that the garden is more easily accessible. This is great for wheelchair users as they will be at the same level as the plants.
Visuals
Next, you should use lots of colourful flowers as this is not only beautiful but will ensure that it has a positive impact on those who have visual impairments.
For example, one lovely plant that makes lots of lovely flowers are hydrangeas. Another lovely consideration are sunflowers. These are quite tall and they can even be used along the edges of your pathway.
Vegetables are another great option and you can plant vegetables such as Swiss Chard. This particular vegetable is quite beautiful to look at and is easy to care for.
Smell
Next, you should also think about the next sense which is smell.
There are lots of plants and flowers that are lovely to smell such as honeysuckle and even lavender. Children will love chocolate cosmos which actually smells like a mixture of vanilla and chocolate.
If you want to create an interesting mix of smells, you should think about creating contrasting scents. For example you can have a curry plant as well as geraniums that are lemon scented. This will be quite stimulating and interesting for any visitors.
Be sure to check out “Flowerpotman” for inspiration as he has a detailed list of great combinations.
Sound
In your sensory garden, you should also have sounds which are interesting, soothing or even stimulating.
One example is a water fountain or other feature which will not only provide fresh water for the birds and the bees but the sound is quite natural and soothing.
You can even add wind chimes or create your own sound fence. This can be made by using various plastic tubs, metal pipes etc.
Taste
When it comes to taste, you should also have plants that can be eaten.
You can definitely think about planting a variety of herbs and even peas. However, if you want to mix things up, you should add some different varieties. For example, instead of normal chives and thyme, you can plant orange thyme and Siberian chives which will surely be a hit.
There are even edible flowers that you can plant such as Pot marigold and Nasturtium which are delicious and beautiful.
Feel
The next sense of touch is quite enjoyable for adults and children.
You can plant soft leaves such as Stachys byzantina which is also known as Lamb’s ear. You should have lots of different plans with different textures which will surely be quite enjoyable to feel.
With that said, you should be careful when it comes to spiky plants such as cactus. If you do choose to include these types, be sure that your visitors are always supervised around them.