A sensory garden is designed to engage and stimulate the senses of young explorers. It is a place where they can experience the wonders of nature.
Steps to help you make a sensory garden:
- Choose an appropriate space: Select an area in your backyard or a designated spot in a community garden that receives adequate sunlight and is easily accessible to children.
- Plan the layout: Divide the garden into different sections or zones, each dedicated to a specific sensory experience. Consider incorporating areas for touch, smell, sight, sound and taste.
- Select plants: Choose a variety of plants that will engage the senses. Here are some suggestions for each category:
- Touch: Plants with different textures like lamb’s ear, velvety leaves, or plants with interesting bark such as birch trees or snake bark maple.
- Smell: Fragrant flowers like lavender, jasmine, or rose cuttings, as well as herbs like mint, lemon balm or basil.
- Sight: Colorful flowers, blooming shrubs and plants with interesting shapes and patterns like sunflowers, marigolds plant or ornamental grasses.
- Sound: Wind chimes, rustling grasses or plants with seeds that make noise when touched, such as bamboo or ornamental corn.
- Taste: Plant herbs and vegetables like strawberries, cherry tomatoes, basil, or lemon verbena for children to sample.
- Create pathways: Design paths or stepping stones to guide children through the garden. Use materials like gravel, wood chips or natural stones to create different textures underfoot.
- Incorporate water features: Include a small water fountain, a shallow pond, or a birdbath where children can listen to the sound of water or observe wildlife like birds and butterflies.
- Add seating areas: Provide benches, picnic tables, or large rocks where children can sit, relax, and engage with their surroundings.
- Include interactive elements: Install sensory-focused elements like wind chimes, kaleidoscopes or outdoor musical instruments (such as a xylophone or drums) for kids to play with.
- Label plants: Use signs or labels to identify the different plants in the garden. You can include the plant’s name, its sensory attributes, and any interesting facts about it.
- Consider safety: Ensure that the garden is safe for children by removing any toxic plants, thorny bushes or other hazards. Also, check for potential allergens and be cautious if any child has specific sensitivities.
- Involve the children: Encourage kids to participate in the garden’s creation by involving them in the planning, planting and maintenance processes. This will foster a sense of ownership and pride.
What is a sensory garden for kids?
A sensory garden for kids is a specially designed outdoor space that aims to engage and stimulate their senses. It provides a hands-on, interactive environment where children explore and experience various sensory stimuli found in nature.
The garden incorporates elements that appeal to the five senses: touch, smell, sight, sound and taste.
Items that belong in a sensory garden
Here are items that commonly belong in a sensory garden:
- Plants with diverse textures: Incorporate a variety of plants with different textures such as soft leaves, rough bark or fluffy flowers. Examples include lamb’s ear, ferns, succulents and ornamental grasses.
- Fragrant flowers and herbs: Include flowers and herbs that emit delightful scents. Lavender, climbing roses, jasmine, mint and lemon balm are popular choices for their aromatic qualities.
- Colorful flowers and foliage: Choose plants with vibrant blooms and striking foliage to create a visually stimulating environment. Sunflowers, marigolds, pansies and coleus are excellent options.
- Water features: Incorporate a small water fountain, a shallow pond, or a birdbath to provide a calming and auditory experience. The sound of flowing water and the sight of ripples can be mesmerizing for children.
- Sensory pathways: Create paths or stepping stones using different materials like gravel, wood chips or smooth stones. Each step will offer a unique tactile sensation for children to explore.
- Tactile objects: Place objects with varied textures like soft fabrics, smooth stones, pinecones or seashells within reach for children to touch and explore.
- Seating areas: Provide benches, picnic tables, or comfortable outdoor seating where children can relax, observe and fully immerse themselves in the sensory garden.
- Visual focal points: Include visually stimulating elements like colorful flags, butterfly houses or garden sculptures to capture children’s attention and spark their imagination.
Objectives of a sensory garden
The objectives of a sensory garden are centered around creating a rich and stimulating environment that benefits individuals of all ages and abilities.
Here are some common objectives of a sensory garden:
- Sensory stimulation: The primary objective of a sensory garden is to provide a wide range of sensory experiences. By engaging the senses of touch, smell, sight, sound and taste, the garden aims to stimulate and awaken the sensory perceptions of individuals, enhancing their sensory development and cognitive abilities.
- Nature connection: Sensory gardens aim to foster a deep connection with nature. By immersing individuals in a natural setting, the garden promotes an appreciation for the environment, cultivates a sense of wonder, and encourages a responsible attitude towards nature and its preservation.
- Education and learning: Sensory gardens offer an interactive and hands-on learning experience. They provide opportunities for individuals, especially children, to learn about plants, wildlife, ecosystems and the natural world. The garden encourages exploration, observation and discovery, fostering a love for learning and curiosity.
- Inclusive and accessible space: Sensory gardens strive to be inclusive and accessible to individuals of all ages and abilities. They are designed to accommodate individuals with mobility challenges, sensory sensitivities, or other special needs. The garden ensures that everyone can participate and engage in a meaningful way.
- Aesthetics and beauty: Sensory gardens are designed to be visually appealing and aesthetically pleasing. They create a serene and enchanting atmosphere, with carefully selected plants, colors and design elements. The garden’s beauty adds to the overall sensory experience and promotes a sense of tranquility and well-being.
By aligning with these objectives, a sensory garden provides a therapeutic, educational, and enjoyable experience for kids, nurtures their senses, fosters their connection with nature, and promotes their overall well-being.