Page 45 -

LIFESTYLE

Sensory Gardens

by Elize Malan

sensory garden would include gravel road leading to a rippling stream, Smell
features, surfaces, objects and very shallow with pebbles and possibly The sense of smell is extremely memorable
A plants that stimulate our senses frogs; a fountain with your water feature to and aromas easily find their place in our
through touch, sight, scent, taste and dim unwanted traffic noise; planting bird memory banks. It is usually combined with
hearing. friendly species and flowers for birdsong some of the other senses. Walk on Mentha
and the buzzing of bees; a deciduous tree ground cover and you can actually taste
Sensory gardens are often designed for the will be special on a windy day when the a peppermint. Lavender, Rosemary and
benefit of people with poor eyesight and leaves start drying in autumn; ornamental Thyme first come to mind when choosing
those who have sensory processing issues, grasses rustle with the slightest breeze in aromatic plants, but a lemon tree will
but everyone from children to the elderly the air and no garden is complete without add aromatic leaves and blossoms to the
will visit and enjoy a sensory garden. a wind chime – will all add to the sounds of garden.
a sensory garden.
What do you want from a sensory garden? The scent of Gardenia flowers can be
This depends on who will be visiting the Taste overpowering in a small garden, but rose
garden. Fresh fruit, herbs and even spices allow varieties are indispensable.
visitors the opportunity to experience
Elderly people will be happy to sit in a nature, while enticing their taste buds. Sight
shady spot, listen to the birds and the When designing small gardens edible Use plants with varying growth habits, for
breeze in the trees. An enthusiastic plants can be incorporated throughout example those that creep, climb or bush.
gardener will potter in the soil, do some the garden. Spinach “bright lights” is an Provide contrast with bark, flowers and
weeding, and pick flowers or herbs. attractive addition and parsley and thyme foliage. Surprise a visitor with a single
Children are not really interested in the plants are excellent ground covers. Sunflower or a pot filled with Saint Joseph
serenity bit, so pebble paths, rockeries with lilies in summer. During winter a flower bed
insects living under stones will be more to Touch with Crassula “Campfire” or Namaqualand
their taste. Growing their own plants, an Plants offer interesting textures, perfect for daisy will make your day.
over-sized chessboard or a miniature fairy encouraging the sense of touch. A sandbox
garden, will encourage them to play and is essential in a garden with children, while No matter what you
explore and interact with plants or garden the velvety feel of Lamb’s Ear will even decide as long as the end
features. please adults. Interesting seed pods e.g.
Liquidambar seeds, pine cones and even result will speak to your
Sound the small pods of a Bush Willow are worth senses.
We live in an extremely visual world and
closer examination.
the art of hearing is often neglected. A

INTRA MUROS MARCH 2020 43