KEY ELEMENTS OF A SENSORY GARDEN

Many sensory gardens are simply walks or paths with scented plants, such as herbs, between stepping stones; a winding route works well as it invites you to slow down and look around. A keyhole garden is another excellent sensory design, with a narrow entry opening into a larger space where you can rest. Whatever the design, include comfortable seating in the shade.

Smell is one of the most vivid senses as it can improve mood and trigger memories and strong feelings. To capture these benefits, use fragrant plants, but set them at intervals so the different scents are not overwhelming. n To stimulate the sense of taste, add pick-and-eat opportunities by planting fruit trees and pots of strawberries or other berries. Encourage people to explore with their hands by placing trees within reach of paths and seats so that the bark can be easily stroked. Some plants simply beg to be touched, such as Stachys byzantina (lamb’s ear), the leaves of which are soft like felt. Choose landscaping materials that have a tactile element, such as smooth pebbles. n A water feature, such as a small fountain or spout, encourages people to dip their hands or feet in, and children to splash and play.

For visual interest, use different textures for paths, introducing pattern with decking or paving and gravel. Consider elements such as flags, sculpture or topiary to catch the eye. Encourage wildlife with feeders for birds and nectar-rich plants for butterflies and bees. When it comes to colour, it is generally believed that hot colours such as red and orange are stimulating, while greens and blues are calming, so aim to create different areas with this in mind.

For sound, take a look at wind sculptures and sound fences – rows of tubes that make a melody when a stick is dragged along them – or deer scarers, the tip-tapping bamboo water features from Asia. For a calming natural soundscape, plant bamboo, trees like weeping birch and ornamental grasses such as Briza

maxima and Miscanthus, to enjoy their leaves rustling in the breeze. If the garden is going to be used in the evening, you can add mesmerising lighting effects. Consider a fire pit too, and use plants such as Mirabilis jalapa and night-scented stock, which come into their own as the sun goes down.