5 YEAR GUARANTEE 
Sensory exploration is an important part of development for every child but it’s also beneficial for adults. Creating a sensory garden is a brilliant way to allow every member of your family, no matter what their age, to experience an enriching walk around the garden.
The idea of a sensory garden is to create a space – usually along a walkway – that stimulates your brain with pleasant noises, colours and textures. Using mindfulness principles, the aim is to create a calming restful environment that allows you to stimulate the senses of sight, smell, sound, touch and taste.
When planning your space, consider planting grasses you can run your fingers through for their feathery touch, or leafy shrubs such as ferns. A selection of herbs would allow you to nibble on a leaf of mint or a chive as you wander. Hanging items such as shells, bamboo bars or wind chimes from a branch to sway in the breeze will provide sound and opportunities to touch a variety of materials.
Underfoot, smooth pebbles would offer peacefulness whilst shingles would offer a pleasurable crunch. Really the choice is entirely up to you and you may find that alternating sections of what is underfoot is really satisfying. Whether you want to experience your sensory walk barefoot is your choice but it is may intensify the experience if you do. It’s simply about creating some beauty on your doorstep to enjoy again and again, in different weathers and at distinctive times of the day.
Things to consider when planning your sensory area:
Have you got room for a water feature?
What colour pebbles would make you happy?
Is there a corner or nook for a statue or interesting pot?
Could you include a strongly scented flower?
Is there a wall for garden art or a mirror?
If you’re thinking of a tree, could you consider one that changes colours with the seasons such as acer?
