Sensory gardens are rising in popularity due to their fantastic educational and soothing benefits. This is because they aim to stimulate all five senses, which is vital for child development. For this reason, sensory gardens can be a great addition to your family home.
Simply dedicating a small section of your outdoor space to sensory engagement can be a great idea for you and your children. Below are a few tips on how to elevate your garden, no matter how big or small your project may be.
Layout
Of course, the layout is largely dependent on the size of your garden and your dedicated sensory area, however by using zoning methods this can be made simpler. Also, what kind of Watson’s Outdoor Furniture Grand Rapids you have or will have.
You can D-I-Y some pathways in order to create a sense of flow within your garden, as these will act as a guide of exploration. Try to keep sensory zones separate, by having one space for textural experiences and one for visuals, for example.
You should incorporate comfortable a comfortable seating area that will allow you and your family to relax and take in your surroundings. We also recommend lighting the area with outdoor candles to enhance this calming aura.
Plants
A sensory garden would not be complete without some sense-inducing foliage. There is a range of options you could choose from here, so it can be beneficial to incorporate a selection.
For fragrance, plant herbs such as rosemary, mint and sage as these can be used for cooking too! Lavender is also a great addition due to its various health benefits.
Integrating vibrant flowers is a great way to add visual interest. Attractive foliage like ferns, hostas and coleuses are even more impressive when paired with bright petals, such as sunflowers or roses.
You could even choose greenery based on their textural traits, for example the silkiness of moss or the roughness of bark.
Why not get the kids involved by planting flower seeds together. It’s a great way to spend time together, as well as a sensory experience in itself. It is also a great way to learn lessons about the growing process.
Insects
Insects play a vital role in creating a dynamic and engaging sensory garden while supporting the ecosystem. By attracting beneficial insects such as butterflies, bees, and ladybugs, you can introduce your children to the fascinating world of pollinators and garden helpers. If you’re interested in supporting local pollination efforts, many garden centers and online platforms even offer bees for sale, which can help establish a thriving hive in your area. Consider planting insect-friendly flowers like marigolds, zinnias, and milkweed to encourage their presence. Adding a bug hotel or a shallow water dish with pebbles provides a safe haven for these creatures and enhances your garden’s biodiversity. Observing insects as they work, fly, and interact with the plants can be a captivating visual and educational experience for the whole family.
Textures
There are also many other ways to further enhance a textural experience within your sensory space.
Sensory play is vital for early development, so to encourage this behaviour, why not provide water or sand stations? These textures will allow your child to explore and engage their five senses. You could also add a variety of mosaics, sculptures, logs and pebbles for textural charm.
Sensory Embellishments
Visual aids are a huge part of sensory enhancement. You could install small water features, lawn ornaments or even homemade artwork. The latter is a great way to get your children involved, as your family can participate in sensory or nature-inspired craftwork together, and then display the finished products in your garden.
For auditory enhancement, wind charms are always a great addition. This will add a sense of magic for your children too.
