As a gardener and founder of The Plant Bible, I want to talk about designing gardens tailored to a variety of specific sensory needs. Each client brings unique requirements and preferences, making every project a new and rewarding challenge. One approach I consistently take is to begin by deeply understanding the client's sensory experiences, preferences, and limitations. This often involves detailed conversations and sometimes even collaboration with healthcare professionals or therapists who understand the client's needs better. One key element I always consider is incorporating plants and features that engage multiple senses in a harmonious way. For example, for a client with visual impairments, tactile and aromatic elements become crucial. I might choose plants with varied textures and strong, pleasant scents to create a garden that can be navigated and enjoyed through touch and smell. Plants like lamb's ear (Stachys byzantina) for its soft, velvety leaves, and herbs like lavender and rosemary for their aromatic qualities, are excellent choices. In one particular project, a garden designed for a client with autism spectrum disorder, the key element was creating a soothing and structured environment. This involved using a combination of sensory-friendly plants and carefully designed spatial organization. The garden included a variety of grasses and bamboo for their gentle rustling sounds, which can be very calming. Additionally, we incorporated pathways lined with smooth pebbles that provided a comforting, rhythmic tactile experience when walked upon. The centerpiece of this garden was a water feature—a small, gently trickling fountain. Water features are known for their calming effect, and the sound of trickling water can help drown out overwhelming background noise, providing a serene auditory experience. This, combined with the visual and tactile elements, created a multi-sensory space that was both engaging and soothing. Designing gardens for specific sensory needs is about more than just aesthetics; it’s about creating spaces that enhance well-being and provide comfort and joy through thoughtful, sensory-rich environments. At The Plant Bible, we strive to ensure that each garden we design is a personalized sanctuary for our clients.
Over the last 23 years as a garden designer, I’ve noticed that people increasingly desire immersive garden experiences. Sensory preferences, whether due to conditions like autism, anxiety or PTSD, have profoundly affected how people wish to connect with nature. Understanding my clients’ unique sensory experiences is important. I recognise I can't fully understand what it's like to have sensory impairments or heightened sensitivities, so I ask my clients to educate me. This cooperation helps me create personalised sanctuaries where they feel safe and inspired by nature. I like to imagine what my clients may experience, depending on their sensory preferences. Closing my eyes helps here, as this helps me appreciate other senses that become more powerful. Water features can be wonderful for visually impaired clients, providing gentle sounds that inspire tranquillity, along with a cool sensation through touch. If powerful enough, people experiencing hearing loss may also feel the sounds of water through vibrations. All garden design facets are important, but I consider planting my key element, beginning with our sense of smell. Smell is deeply connected with memories and emotions, which can enhance gardens beautifully. For an immersive scent, I focus on plants like star jasmine. This plant has intense, sweet notes that are pungent in warmer evenings. Texture can be both visual and tactile. I often use Mexican feather grass, which grows in drifts that tickle the skin, while Lamb’s ear’s velvety leaves feel pleasantly soft when wet. Taste can also be an aspect of sensory gardens, provided the plants are edible. Daylilies offer a fresh, peppery taste, while rosemary combines a herbaceous aroma with an invigorating flavour. When one thinks of design, one may think of visual aesthetics first. It’s more vital to embrace and understand all sensory qualities of plants. This includes how they complement and contrast one another, from a client’s perspective. The vast array of plants means there’s a garden design for everyone. If you are overwhelmed by sensations, we may keep the design to muted green or grey shades with unscented or minimally fragrant plants. If you prefer being flooded by all senses, we can select more vibrant plants that emit intoxicating scents. Perhaps the most beautiful thing about plants is their ability to enhance the unique way that one experiences the world, an experience I cherish with all my clients.