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Dr. Amy Wagenfeld: Nurture through Nature: Sensory Gardens and Sensory Gardening

Smooth pebbles for sensory gardening activity

Arguably we likely agree that gardens and gardening is all about the senses, but have you ever stopped to think about just how much it is about the sensory experience? Sure, we have heard the expression, “stop and smell the roses” but consider that sensory gardens and gardening for the senses is far more that smelling that heady perfume of a rose.

Why should we consider sensory gardening? Every garden or green space has a sensory component. What sets a sensory garden or green space apart from all others is that it is specially planned and in turn contains plant materials and other elements that nurture the senses. Why is it a good thing to nurture the senses? Through sight, touch, hearing, smelling, tasting, balance, and movement we begin to find clarity in the world. We rely on our senses to guide us through our daily lives. Experiencing, first hand, a sensory garden or engaging in sensory gardening activities to nurture and enrich our senses is what it is all about. AND, most of all, sensory gardens and sensory gardening activities are fun and family oriented.

 

What is a sensory garden? A sensory garden is a special green space that embraces the eight senses. The scope and size of the garden really does not matter, for a lovely sensory garden may be self-contained in a large pot located on the veranda. It may encompass the entire back garden, be in a schoolyard, a hospital courtyard, or a public park. What does matter is what is included in the garden. A sensory garden contains plant materials that are aromatic and have interesting textures that beckon to be touched. A sensory garden contains visually compelling plants with bright and colorful, or cool and mysterious flowers and leaves to look at. Wind chimes and bamboo or ornamental grasses that rustle in the breeze add a listening component to the sensory garden. And taste, well, depending on who will be partaking in a sensory garden, it may contain herbs, fruit trees, and vegetables. It provides comfort from the elements and opportunities to move and explore.

 

Awareness of the sensory systems that are nourished through participation in a gardening activity is the basic premise of sensory gardening. Remember that all gardening is sensory, but a focus on each of the senses and how each is the focal point of the activity is the key. To give you an idea of what a sensory gardening activity might entail, below is a sample sensory gardening activity for children four years and older. Special Sorting is simple and easy to do. It nourishes four of the five basic senses, calls for easily available materials and is fun.

 

Activity: Special Sorting

 

Sensory Nourishment

 

Tactile system: touch all the sorting materials

Olfactory system: smell the sorting materials

Auditory system: listen to the sound of the dried materials as they are placed in the cups

Visual system: look at each of the sorted egg cups

 

Materials Needed

 

Newspaper

Empty (clean) egg cartons

Gathering basket or individual bags

Herbs, sticks, pine needles, seeds, pebbles, stones (not an inclusive list)

Large tweezers or tongs

 

Step by Step Directions

 

  1. Cover workspace with newspaper.
  2. Go outside and gather a variety of treasures from the above list and place in gathering basket or bags.
  3. Return to work area.
  4. Wash hands.
  5. Provide each child with an empty egg carton.
  6. Sort treasures into individual sections of egg carton.
  7. When done, bring treasures back outside to composter or other appropriate site.

 

How to Make Activity Easier

 

Pre-gather treasures for children and place them in a large box or bowl.

Place one object in each section of egg carton and have children match and sort by object only.

 

How to Make Activity Harder

 

Sort by shape.

Sort by color.

Sort by size.

Use large tweezers or tongs to pick up and place objects in egg carton sections.

(Wagenfeld, 2021)

seeds for sorting

 

Have a go and think about some other fun sensory gardening activities that you and your family or you and the special children in your lives can enjoy together.

 

How does one take on sensory gardening? Sensory gardening and sensory gardens are best experienced first hand. Start small and involve children in the planning. Visit local plant nurseries and gardens to look for plants that will work well in your sensory garden. Visit the library and read about plants that thrive in your region. Think about using found materials, like those used in Special Sorting to form the basis of sensory gardening endeavors. Planning, planting, and participating in a sensory garden or sensory gardening activities are a wonderful forum for families to enjoy. They are ideal for the young and the young at heart.

 

Wagenfeld, A. (2021). Sensory gardening activities: A full deck of ideas. Amy Wagenfeld | Design.