Sensory gardens: what they are, their history, and how to make one at home

Not all gardens are seen with the eyes. Some are heard as you walk, smelled from a distance, felt with your hands, or enjoyed with your whole body.

They are sensory gardens : spaces designed to reconnect with nature through the senses and Finding a path to well-being in the rhythm of plants .

Sensory gardens have a long tradition. Medieval vegetable gardens, Japanese gardens , and even Andalusian patios include elements designed not only to be seen, but also to be smelled, touched, and experienced.

Today, this approach is gaining new relevance, especially in urban contexts where contact with nature is increasingly limited.

Designing a sensory garden is, in part, an act of gentle resistance: in the face of noise, haste, and disconnection, It offers an intimate space that invites you to slow down and pay attention. .

Sight, smell, touch, hearing, and taste. Each of our senses can have its place in the garden , and each can find botanical expression.

Aroma is perhaps one of the most evoked senses in garden design. Aromatic plants not only stimulate the sense of smell but also define the identity of a space.

Lavender ( Lavandula angustifolia ), rosemary ( Rosmarinus officinalis ), jasmine ( Jasminum spp .), honeysuckle ( Lonicera spp .), and nightshade ( Cestrum nocturnum ) are sure-fire classics. Planting them in walkways or near windows is recommended, so that their scent is released with heat or contact.

The sense of touch is activated by textures, shapes and temperatures.

Some plants invite you to stroke their leaves , like the velvety Stachys byzantina , or "rabbit ear," or Pennisetum setaceum , with its soft spikes that sway in the wind. There are also opposites: the stiff foliage of Phormium or the soft spines of certain cacti.

Sensory gardens are especially valuable in educational or therapeutic settings, as they allow for safe exploration of textures.

A sensory garden is not just aesthetic: it is therapeutic, pedagogical, emotional

Sound in a garden can come from water, wind, or the plants themselves. Ornamental grasses like Miscanthus or Carex create a subtle rustle when moved.

Bamboos are another classic example: their canes rustle gently when the wind blows. Moving water (a fountain, a birdbath) adds a layer of sound that also attracts wildlife.

No sensory garden is complete without something to taste. From fruits like strawberries ( Fragaria x ananassa ), raspberries, and blackberries to tea plants and mint, adding edible species adds another sensory dimension.

In small spaces, even a pot of basil, thyme, or lemon verbena can be enough.

A good option for temperate climates is to include mint ( Mentha spicata) , which surprises with a sweet and deep aroma.

Although sight isn't the main focus of this type of garden , it plays an important role. What's interesting is that the approach is different: it seeks to create contrasts, shadows, reflections, and movement, rather than just color.

The silvery leaves stand out in the shadows; the ferns look especially good in sidelight. Combinations aren't just about color, but also about rhythm, height, and density.

Sensory design is, in essence, a form of attentive listening to what plants can offer beyond the aesthetic.

You don't need a lot of space to create a sensory garden . A corner of the yard, a flowerbed by the entrance, even a terrace can become a multi-sensory retreat.

The important thing is to plan with intention, thinking about each sense and how they combine. What do you hear when you sit down? What do you touch when you run your hand over it? What scent lingers on your clothes when you step out?

Designing a sensory garden is like opening a small sanctuary of mindfulness. It's not about having many plants, nor the most exotic ones, but rather choosing carefully and letting each species do its part: enveloping us, awakening us, reminding us that we are alive.

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