Have you ever planted something simply because it made you smile? Do you enjoy the sweet smell of lavender? How about touching the fuzzy leaves of lamb’s ear? Do you remember the excitement of picking a ripe strawberry right from your garden and popping it into your mouth? That’s what sensory gardening is all about!
A sensory garden is designed to engage one or more of our five senses: sight, smell, taste, touch, and sound. Whether you’re creating a peaceful retreat for yourself or a fun and interactive space for children and grandchildren, sensory gardens encourage us to slow down and experience our outdoor spaces in a whole new way. Sensory gardens can be any size that you want them to be. You could just have a few containers on your patio or expand to your entire backyard landscape.
They require the same basic care as any other landscape planting. Start with healthy soil by incorporating compost when planting and provide regular water while plants become established.We know that Visalia experiences hot, dry summers, so mulch and drip irrigation are excellent additions that help conserve moisture and keep plants thriving. Many sensory garden plants are drought tolerant once established, making them excellent choices for water-wise landscapes.
How do you create a sensory garden?
The easiest place to start is to decide which senses you’d like to focus on. Some gardeners choose plants that appeal to all five senses, while others create a garden centered around fragrance or texture.
Think about how you’ll use the space. Will it be a place to relax with your morning coffee? A garden for little hands to explore? Or perhaps a colorful space that attracts birds, butterflies, and pollinators?
Let’s explore some ideas for each sense.
Sight
Color, texture, and movement can all create visual interest in the garden. When planning your sensory garden, don’t be afraid to mix foliage colors and flower shapes. Silver foliage, bright blooms, and ornamental grasses can all add beautiful contrast.
Some Central Valley favorites include:
Coleus
Sunflowers
Lantana
Hydrangeas (morning sun locations)
Japanese Maple (protected locations)
Dusty Miller
Cosmos
Red Hot Poker
Butterfly Milkweed
Ornamental Kale
Smell
Fragrance is one of the most powerful ways to create lasting memories in the garden. Plant fragrant varieties near patios, pathways, windows, or seating areas so you can enjoy their scents throughout the day and evening.
Best plants for fragrance
Gardenias
Lavender
Star Jasmine
Roses
Lemon Verbena
Rosemary
Basil
Mint
Bee Balm
Lilac (cooler, protected locations)
Honeysuckle
Taste
Yum! There’s nothing quite like picking something fresh from your own garden and eating it right off the plant! Sensory gardens are a wonderful way to encourage children and adults alike to interact with their plants. One important note is if you’re creating a family-friendly garden, be sure to avoid planting toxic varieties nearby and always supervise young children when tasting plants from the garden to prevent accidents.
Tastiest plants
Strawberries
Blueberries
Tomatoes
Chives
Nasturtiums
Mint
Basil
Stevia
Swiss Chard
Rosemary
Lemon Verbena
Touch
Plants are awesome in that they come in an amazing variety of texture! You can have soft and fuzzy leaves, smooth succulents, feathery grasses, or prickly cactus. Adding tactile plants is one of the easiest ways to make a garden more interactive and enjoyable. Maybe be careful with the cacti!
Some tactile Favorites
Lamb’s Ear
Irish Moss
Echinacea
Yarrow
Celosia
Fennel
Succulents
Mexican Feather Grass
Dusty Miller
Ornamental Grasses
Sound
Gardens can be surprisingly musical! The rustling of grasses, buzzing pollinators, chirping birds, and trickling water features all contribute to a sensory experience. Adding movement to your garden can bring it to life throughout the day and at night. You can also enhance your sensory garden with wind chimes, fountains, or bubbling water features for an extra touch of tranquility.
Best plants for sound
Mexican Feather Grass
Muhly Grass
Lavender (a pollinator favorite!)
Sunflowers
Ornamental Grasses
Large shade trees
Flowering shrubs that attract birds and bees
Sensory gardens gardening is a full body experience. The smell of jasmine on a summer evening, the feel of soft foliage between your fingertips, or the sound of bees visiting your lavender plants can turn an ordinary garden into something truly memorable. With a little creativity and thoughtfully selected plants, you can create a sensory garden that’s beautiful, interactive, and perfectly suited for life in our Visalia community! If you have any questions or would like suggestions come on by the nursery and we’ll be happy to help!
Happy planting from all of us at Luis Nursery!
