Grow a garden full of delights: Sensory gardening tips

A garden can be so much more than a pretty backdrop – it’s a place to explore, unwind and find joy in unexpected ways.

That’s the idea behind a sensory garden, where fragrant flowers, colourful foliage, textured surfaces and the soft sounds of nature combine to create a space that invites you to linger.

Here’s how to transform your outdoors into a garden full of wonder and delight.

Feast your eyes on these beautiful blooms

Colour and form are the first things we notice in a garden.

Bright annuals, such as cosmos, zinnias, petunias and sunflowers, bring bursts of seasonal cheer, while flowering shrubs like camellias and hydrangeas add structure and longevity.

Foliage colour is just as effective – silver cineraria, burgundy loropetalum and variegated hostas catch the eye even when flowers fade.

Contrasting shapes and heights, from tall, wispy ornamental grasses like miscanthus and pennisetum to low mounds of mondo grass or Canberra grass (Scleranthus biflorus), make the view more dynamic.

The smell of spring in scented gardens

There’s nothing quite like the simple pleasure of a beautiful fragrance.

Roses are a classic choice, but don’t overlook other scented plants such as lavender, star jasmine, gardenia, Madagascar jasmine (Stephanotis floribunda) and lemon-scented myrtle.

Plant them near paths, doorways or seating areas where the scent will be most appreciated.

Herbs like mint, thyme and rosemary also release their aromas when brushed against, making them ideal for sensory planting near walkways or in pots.

Sensory gardens that speak

A garden that speaks is one that feels alive.

The rustle of foliage, the crunch of pebbles underfoot or the gentle clink of wind chimes all add atmosphere, while water features bring a calming trickle or splash, masking background noise and encouraging relaxation.

Planting nectar-rich flowers will welcome bees, butterflies and birds, filling the garden with the gentle hum of life.

Stay in touch with textured plants

Texture adds another layer of interest. Velvety lamb’s ears (Stachys byzantina) beg to be stroked, while the glossy leaves of magnolia and the leathery foliage of sansevierias provide contrast.

Kids especially enjoy interactive plants like the sensitive plant (Mimosa pudica), which folds its leaves when touched.

Even hardscaping can contribute – smooth pebbles, weathered wood or textured paving all invite touch and enrich the sensory experience.

Food for thought

Why just look at your garden when you can eat it, too?

Blueberries, cherry tomatoes and green beans are easy to grow and perfect for picking on the go – many won’t last long enough to reach the house!

Don’t forget to add herbs for flavour and fruit trees for fresh garden goodies that double as beautiful ornamentals, a feast for both the eyes and the taste buds.

Tammy Huynh is a horticulturist, presenter on Gardening Australia and the owner of Leaf an Impression.