16 ways to stimulate your senses through landscaping, water features and planting

Sensory gardens are about engaging all five senses, touch, smell, taste and sound. You can transform any environment to be stimulating, interesting, and immersive in many different ways.

It’s easy to be focused on the exterior of a backyard when planning a renovation. And in most cases, next in line for consideration are the practical aspects – a kid’s play area, or a space to eat outdoors, for example. Or perhaps you’re thinking about rewilding your garden, to help support nature. Your backyard can be so much more. Consider the following features to help you choose the right backyard. All The senses can transform even a small plot of land into a relaxing and stimulating space. 

Imogen Jackson states that Sensory Gardens encourage people to touch, taste and listen to their environment. Imogen is the Head Gardener for the Midlands site at Horatio’s Garden – a charity that creates beautiful and accessible gardens in NHS spinal injury centers. Stimulating the senses can bring back memories, relax the mind and lift spirits. The sensory garden is a great place to improve your sleep and wellbeing. You can also increase mindfulness and mood by focusing on textures, tastes, sounds, and other sounds. A sensory garden can also encourage people to spend more time outdoors,’ she says, with all the benefits that sunshine and fresh air bring.

It’s easy to recreate a garden with a little creativity and knowledge. You can even add sensory elements to your garden plans once you know where you should start.

These sensory garden ideas will make spending time in your plot a more immersive and enjoyable experience  – from cooling water features to beautiful planting schemes that smell just as wonderful as they look. 

 Holly Crossley