Gardening is an amazing way to connect with nature. It brings calm, peacefulness, and beauty to our lives. It’s a great way to get outside and experience the world around us. One way to make gardening more sensory is to create a sensory garden. Sensory gardens can serve as a tool to promote relaxation and mindfulness for those who tend to them. They are designed with the purpose of providing a multisensory experience, stimulating all of the senses including sight, sound, touch, smell and even taste in some cases.
What is a Sensory Garden and Why is it Important?
A sensory garden is a garden that is designed to engage all of the senses. The goal is to create an immersive and therapeutic experience that helps individuals to relax, focus, and stimulate their senses. Sensory gardens feature a variety of plants, and even other elements like wind chimes, water features, and textured materials like rocks or gravel to stimulate the senses.
Why is a sensory garden important? Sensory gardens are great for relaxation, promoting mindfulness, and reducing stress levels. Engaging all of the senses has a calming effect on the mind and body. When we are fully immersed in nature, our senses become more alert and alive. This heightened sense of awareness can bring about a sense of peace and calm, leading to lower stress levels, improved focus, and better overall wellbeing.
Creating a Sensory Garden
Here are some tips to help you create a sensory garden that promotes relaxation and mindfulness.
1. Select the Right Location
Before starting your sensory garden, you’ll want to find the right location. Consider an area that receives plenty of natural sunlight or determine how you can provide adequate light for your garden. Additionally, look for an area that has easy access to water, which is essential for plants to grow. Once you have selected the right location, you can begin to plan and design your sensory garden.
2. Incorporate a Variety of Plants
A sensory garden should incorporate a variety of plants that offer different textures, scents, and visual appeal. Some common plants that can be included in a sensory garden are lavender, chamomile, jasmine, roses, and herbs like mint, rosemary, and sage. When selecting plants, consider which varieties will thrive in your garden’s particular environment. Be sure to include plants that are safe to touch and smell, and avoid anything that may cause allergic reactions.
3. Include Different Textures and Materials
In addition to plants, consider different materials to incorporate for texture, visual appeal, and sensory stimulation. For example, adding rocks, gravel, or paving stones to your garden can add visual interest and provide a tactile experience. Additionally, wind chimes or water features like fountains or bird baths can add a lovely auditory element to your garden.
4. Think About Color and Contrast
When selecting plants and materials for your garden, think about color and contrast. A well-planned sensory garden will have a variety of colors that complement and contrast with each other. Also, consider how your garden will appear throughout the year, as different seasons can bring out different colors and textures in your plants.
5. Use Scents to Stimulate the Senses
Scents can be a powerful sensory experience that can trigger memories or bring about a sense of calm. Include plants with fragrant oils and flowers such as lavender, jasmine, or chamomile to stimulate the senses. Additionally, consider planting herbs like sage, rosemary, and lemon verbena, whose leaves can release powerful scents when bruised or rubbed.
6. Consider Edibles
Incorporating edible plants can also be a great way to stimulate the senses in a sensory garden. Herbs like mint and basil can be included and provide scents, plus can be harvested for use in cooking or teas. Additionally, consider planting fruits and vegetables that can be picked and enjoyed, like strawberries and cherry tomatoes.
7. Create Seating Areas
Finally, consider creating seating areas within your sensory garden to encourage relaxation and mindfulness. Whether it’s a bench, hammock, or chair, having a designated spot to sit and enjoy your garden can enhance the sensory experience. You can further enhance the experience by incorporating elements like wind chimes or a water feature that can create a relaxing atmosphere.
Conclusion
A sensory garden can provide a therapeutic and relaxing experience for people of all ages. By engaging all the senses, from sight and sound to touch and taste, sensory gardens can help promote mindfulness and reduce stress. Whether it’s in your backyard or a community space, creating a sensory garden can be a great way to connect with nature and enhance your wellbeing.
