Sensory Garden Design Advice

All landscapes induce sensory responses but it is the concentration of different experiences that gives sensory gardens their identity. Some are passive places, designed to be restful and comfortable. Some are designed to stimulate activity, while others are used within educational programmes aid learning.

Whether you are planning a new sensory garden, or making an existing landscape more sensory-rich, these notes are intended to help you think through some of the main points.

What type of sensory design do you need?

Working with, not for, people

• Don’t assume you understand the needs and preferences of the people the garden is being designed for.
• Begin by gathering all that you know about potential users, ideally by involving them in the process. If you don't know enough, find out more - one of the most common mistakes we see is designs based on assumed rather than real needs
  When do people want to use the space? E.g. in schools there are holidays to consider so don't choose plants that will be at their best in the weeks when there is no-one there to enjoy them. Time of day is important too, if evenings are an option then plan to include lighting and ways of people keeping warm (blankets, fires, shelters...).
  What do people want to do there? It usually works better to ask people about types of use rather than what things they want in the garden.
  What is the range of ability within the user groups? Also take account of how this might change in the future and always aim to make the space as accessible as possible.
• Listen to and involve your intended user groups at all stages of the project.
Getting people involved creatively in realising their own project is empowering for all involved.

Integration not segregation

• When designing for people with specific disabilities, think about who else might share the space, especially friends and carers. If they enjoy the space they are more likely to encourage others to use it more.

Sensory stimulation: making the point clearly

• A Sensory Garden is much more than raised beds and lavender. Opportunities exist to enrich everyone’s experience though design for the full range of the senses.
• From your consultations you will know who your potential users are, and what they want to do. Design appropriately and deliberately with clear sensory objectives.
• The research, case studies and techniques are out there. Get the design specification right.
• Make sure you get the 'right plant in the right place’ in terms of growing conditions. In selecting plants, be clear about the sensory effect you wish to achieve: touch and texture, smell, taste and scent, sound in the wind and when touched, contrasting plant form and shape, movement of light and shadow beneath.

Management and sustainability

• Plan for more than design and construction. Consider how your project will be maintained and cared for. Will the users become involved, as part of an educational project perhaps? How will the care of your project fit in with any existing maintenance programs? Involve existing site managers in the design of your maintenance program.
• Involve the surrounding neighbours and the user community in design and construction. Build a sense of ownership in the place and in the management process.
• Work within the limits of how much ownership is possible in order to determine a sustainable level of maintenance balanced with a rich sensory environment.
• Maintenance can become enjoyable and useful if it is made part of celebration, play or educational activity. Horticultural or other collaborative development activity can be designed into the project.

Opportunities to use it

• Innovative site design and management is more effective if there is appropriate user information and interpretation.
• Include budget for promotional information such as pre-visit leaflets.
• Potential users need to know what facilities you provide in order to make an informed decision about whether to go or not.
• Try to involve transport providers, and consult on the most likely way people will come to your site. Design information provision accordingly.
• Ensure that your information and interpretation provision is accessible to your target user groups.
  

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