Purpose
The Sensory Garden was established in 2013. Plants that entice the five senses are featured every year. The Sensory Garden is sure to offer something for the young, and the young at heart! All Sensory Garden plants have an informational sign indicating which sense(s) they represent and some fun facts about the plants.
Attraction
The Sensory Garden is formed in a semi-circle shape, allowing visitors to touch, smell, see, hear, and even taste all the way around. A variety of plants and flowers, all of which are safe to touch and smell, are used to create a unique sensory experience. We find that children, families, grandparents, and visitors of all abilities find enjoyment in the Sensory Garden.
How to Make a Sensory Garden at Home
Plant Materials
Consider all five senses when selecting your plants for your at-home sensory garden. Does the plant make a unique sound? Does it offer a pleasing smell? Is it edible? If your at-home sensory garden will be enjoyed by children, avoid using toxic plants. Offer plants at varying heights to accommodate all visitors and to create a visually-pleasing display. Make sure plants are suited for your zone (Morris is USDA zone 4b), and are well-maintained throughout the growing season.
Suggested Plant Materials
The following table contains Sensory Garden plants grown at the WCROC that have been successful.
| Plant and Cultivar | Sense | How it Works |
|---|---|---|
| Angel's Trumpet | Sight and Smell | Large flower, flower is fragrant |
| Basil (any type) | Smell and Taste | Leaves smell when rubbed, basil is used in many dishes as seasoning |
| Celery (cutting) | Taste | Leaves used in salads |
| Chive (garlic) | Smell and Taste | Leaves smell like garlic when rubbed, chive is a seasoning |
| Cilantro | Smell and Taste | Leaves smell when rubbed, cilantro is a popular herb in Latin cooking. It tastes like soap to some people! |
| Dill | Smell and Taste | Leaves smell when rubbed, dill is a seasoning used to make pickles and other dishes |
| Geranium (any type) | Smell | Leaves smell when rubbed, fragrant flower |
| Grass (Ruby Silk) | Movement | Long leaves move in the wind |
| Hens and Chicks | Unusual | Succulent plants grow close to the ground and have a unique shape |
| Hyacinth Bean (Ruby Moon) | Smell | One of the most fragrant flowers on Earth |
| Lamb's Ear | Touch | Leaves are soft |
| Lavender | Smell and Taste | Leaves smell when rubbed, used in tea and as seasoning |
| Lemon Balm | Smell and Taste | Leaves smell like lemon when rubbed, used in tea and bouquets |
| Mint | Smell and Taste | Leaves smell when rubbed, used in tea for colds, clue, fever, and headache |
| Nasturtium | Taste | Leaves and flowers are edible, peppery taste |
| Oregano | Smell and Taste | Leaves smell when rubbed, used as seasoning in Italian dishes |
| Parsley | Smell and Taste | Leaves smell when rubbed, used as seasoning for pizza and Italian dishes |
| Popcorn Plant | Smell | Leaves smell like popcorn. DO NOT EAT! The plant will make you very sick! |
| Rosemary | Smell and Taste | Leaves smell when rubbed. Common seasoning in cooking |
| Sage | Smell and Taste | Leaves smell when rubbed. Common seasoning in cooking. Used in indigenous American ceremonies |
| Sensitive Plant | Touch | Leaves fold up when touched but take their shape again after a few minutes. Plant does have thorns! |
| Sunflower | Sight | Watch sunflowers follow the sun throughout the day! On cloudy days the flowers will face each other |
| Sweet Pea | Smell and Movement | Fragrant flowers, tendrils on stems will move throughout the day as they search for a place to hold onto |
| Swiss Chard | Sight and Taste | Often have interesting colors, used in cooking |
| Thyme | Smell and Taste | Leaves smell when rubbed. Common seasoning in cooking |