Sensory gardens have been around since the 7th Century’s “paradise gardens” in Persia, which were based on scent and sound. But recently, the therapeutic value of these gardens has gained public attention, especially among persons with disabilities. A sensory garden is crafted to stimulate and engage the five senses: touch, sight, smell, sound, and taste.
At Landis, we plan to develop a sensory garden along the paved trail heading toward our Shanti Vun Meditation Garden. We were fortunate to receive a grant for paving the path, and annual appeal donations will allow us to complete the plantings. The next step is to identify plant species best suited to our hardiness zone. In selecting these plants, it is crucial to choose varieties that offer both meaningful sensory engagement and resilience to harsh winter conditions. Here is a list of both perennials and annuals to stimulate each of the senses:
- Touch: Lamb's Ear (Stachys byzantina) has soft, velvety silver leaves. Coreopsis verticillata offers a fine, airy, needle-like texture. ‘Silver Mound’ artemisia forms a soft, feathery dome, inviting gentle contact.
- Smell: Lavender ('Munstead' or 'Hidcote' varieties), cranesbill, rose, peony, as well as daffodil and hyacinth bulbs in spring, will all contribute their distinctive fragrances.
- Sound: Switchgrass creates a rustling effect in the wind, while Baptisia produces rattling sounds as it moves.
- Sight: Bee balm (Monarda) showcases vibrant, irregular blooms that attract hummingbirds. These can be complemented by an array of phlox, echinacea, rudbeckia, and annuals such as zinnia, which add visual interest throughout the season.
- Taste: Although edible plants are not included at this time, perennial herbs like lemon balm and oregano can release robust scents when handled.
Our planting strategy will provide our visitors with the opportunity to engage in a sensory experience. To further enhance accessibility, Landis will install plant labels and signage. These signs will include written English, QR-coded audio, and Braille.
Across New York State there are about a dozen public sensory gardens and trails. These include the Fragrance Garden at the Brooklyn Botanical Garden, Helen’s Garden for the Senses at the NY Botanical Garden, the Riverwalk Sensory Trail at Hudson Crossing Park in Schuylerville, and the Autism Nature Trail (ANT) at Letchworth State Park. In the near future, the sensory garden at Landis will be included in that list – and can be savored by all of our visitors.