Your Garden - A Sensory Delight

A garden should not only be attractive to the eye; it should engage all of the senses and be a wildly immersive experience. A well-designed garden should communicate with all of the senses. Indeed, the vibrant stems of Cornus sanguinea or the deep foliage of Cotinus coggygria will provide visual appeal, but the element of design needs to come into play. The layout and planting schemes need to harmonise. Movement in a border is extremely important for maintaining interest throughout the season. My Anemathele lessoniana dancing in the wind always catches my gaze.

It is the fragrances in the garden that draw me in and lead me down the garden path, especially the Lathyrus odoratus. The location of these plants is crucial; perhaps it is the Daphne placed willfully beside a window, allowing a sweet breeze to glide through the house on a cold winter's day. Even a cleverly placed thyme or basil in a planter or on the edge of a border, when touched, releases a delightful scent. This brings me to touch. Varied textures can be inviting and lead you on a new journey of exploration. The peeling bark of an Acer griseum or the smooth leaf of a Stachys byzantina—you cannot simply pass these plants without engaging. This conversation with the garden continues as you travel further down the garden path. Running your fingers through water can be very soothing and also allow for a moment of reflection. The background trickle of water from a fountain may be the perfect spot to bring the senses back to neutral for just a moment.

That was a brief journey through the garden and a sample of how plants can interact with our emotions and provide a sensory-rich outdoor experience. What conversations are you having with your garden?