What is a Sensory Garden?

It is a garden created with the intention to provide a range of sensory experiences within a close proximity. Generally, items included are plants of varying textures, colors and scents, water fountains, sprinklers, chimes, and lighting to create a soothing environment. The garden can be individualized to target specific senses such as sight, sound, touch, smell and proprioception. Taste can play a role in the garden if you have a fruit bearing tree or plant. Depending on the child’s needs, sensory input from the garden can be minimized or incrementally increased to meet the child’s sensory system needs. The key to remember is that the garden should naturally stimulate all of the senses.

Sensory Garden Example: Lighthouse for the Blind

Video
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Photo Gallery (Click to enlarge)
Plants that produce bright foliage	Bird-of-Paradise flower
Leaves with lots of texture	Tea Olive Plant produces strongly scented flowers
The Lighthouse for the Blind uses heavily textured plants	Bay Rum have scented folige

We would like to thank the Lighthouse for the Blind in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, for allowing us to take pictures of their sensory garden. Please contact them at www.lhob.org for more information about their garden.