The garden of your dreams has always been a sensory garden. You have always wanted an enclosure where people can have a variety of sensory experiences. Well, that’s a good dream to have. But do you know that sensory gardens are not only pleasurable but can also improve your mental health? And that is not all. If you have a loved one with autism, a sensory garden can help them enjoy nature and develop their sensory abilities without being overstimulated.
1. Make your garden plants accessible
Sensory gardens are meant to be enjoyed by everyone. That means that even disabled people who are on wheelchairs need to interact with your garden easily. For that reason, you need to make your garden plants accessible to all.
You can increase accessibility by creating ramps and installing suitable flooring for people with mobility issues. Make sure that your garden is designed to have different levels. Incorporate raised beds, garden walls, planters, flower pots, troughs, etc.
2. Bring in texture and shape
Touch is one of the primary human senses. And people with visual or hearing impairments, as well as those with autism, can use touch to interact with your sensory garden. To improve their enjoyment, you need to bring in texture.
Incorporate plants and shrubs of different textures. Use brick on your garden walls. Create pebble paths and rockeries. Include seating furniture with designs that people can feel.
Be sure to bring in a variety of shapes into your garden. They appeal to those who have a heightened sense of touch. Think of curves in your furniture and creeping plants that can be manipulated into various designs and shapes. A sensory garden offers you the chance to put your topiary skills to good use.
3. Add lots of colors
For people with some vision loss, bright colors might still be visible. So introduce splashes of color in your garden. You can do this by planting different-colored flowers. Also, incorporate strategic outdoor lighting to illuminate areas of your garden for visibility. Lighting will also improve the aesthetic appeal of your garden when done right. You don’t have to limit yourself to natural colors. It’s all about pleasing the eyes in different ways.
4. Your garden needs interesting sounds
A silent garden does not please all the senses. So include sound in your design. Think about planting bamboo. When the wind blows through them, they will create exciting sounds. A garden waterfall can also contribute to the sounds in the garden. Also, install wind chimes and build a xylophone garden bench or two.
Birds chirping add more interest to your garden. And while your plants will attract some of them, you have to install a bird feeder to increase their numbers. The sound of bees buzzing also helps. Bright flowers will attract them. But so will a beehive or two. Seek the help of a local beekeeper to help you position the hive.
Properties for sale in the Geelong area have lots of possibilities. If you can think outside the box, you could have the best sensory garden. It is all about exploring all options and working with what you have to create an oasis for you and your loved ones.