Golden Acre’s FREE gardening webinars have returned for another season! This year, we’re excited to dive into gardening topics like seed saving, water saving, native plants, and even sensory gardens! Join our live stream every Saturday to interact with our resident horticulturist, Colin Hayles!

Building a Sensory Garden in Calgary

More than just a visual feast, a truly vibrant garden is a sensory symphony, a dynamic space that deepens our connection with nature and nourishes our well-being. This is the essence of sensory gardening – crafting an environment that delights the eyes, ears, skin, nose, and even the taste buds, evolving with the rhythm of the year and the passage of each day.

But why should you consider creating a sensory garden in your Calgary backyard? 

1. Deeper connection with nature. By actively engaging all our senses, we move beyond a superficial appreciation of our surroundings and immerse ourselves in the intricate details of the natural world. The buzzing of bees collecting nectar, the gentle rustle of leaves in the prairie breeze, the earthy aroma after a spring rain – these sensory experiences ground us and remind us of our place within the larger ecosystem.
2. Enhancing well-being and mindfulness. In our often-hectic lives, a sensory garden provides a sanctuary for calm and reflection. The soothing sound of trickling water, the velvety touch of lambs’ ear, the fragrant release of lavender in the sun – these elements invite us to slow down, breathe deeply, and be present in the moment. Engaging our senses in this way can reduce stress, improve mood, and cultivate a sense of peace.
3. Inclusive and accessible experience. By designing a space that appeals to a wide range of sensory preferences, we can create gardens that are enjoyable for people of all abilities. Consider raised beds for easier access, smooth pathways for mobility devices, and a variety of textures and scents that can be appreciated even with limited sight.
4. Boosts learning and engagement, especially for children. Exploring the different textures of leaves, identifying the songs of birds, and tasting the sweetness of a homegrown berry can transform gardening into an exciting and educational adventure. It sparks curiosity, encourages observation, and creates lasting memories.

Let’s explore some ideas for each of the five senses:

Sight

This is often the first sense we consider. Think beyond just flower colours. Incorporate colour contrasts with bold pairings like purple coneflowers against yellow coreopsis. Play with various heights using tall grasses, mid-sized shrubs, and low-growing groundcovers. Introduce unique and personal touches with creatively decorated pots, eye-catching trellises, and handcrafted plant stakes. The vibrant blooms of our Alberta hardy roses, the delicate foliage of ferns, and the changing colours of deciduous trees throughout the seasons all contribute to a visually stimulating garden.

Sound

Bring your garden to life with auditory delights. Attract the cheerful buzz of bees and the melodic songs of birds by planting nectar-rich flowers and providing bird feeders and water sources. Consider the soothing sound of a water feature, whether it’s a small bubbling fountain or a tranquil pond. Plant noisy plants like ornamental grasses that rustle in the wind or the quaking aspen with its whispering leaves. The gentle chime of wind chimes or rain chains adds another layer of auditory interest. Even the crunch of gravel paths underfoot can be a subtle sensory detail.

Touch

Engage the tactile sense with a variety of textures. Incorporate smooth river stones alongside rough lava rock for contrasting sensations. The soft, fuzzy leaves of hens and chicks, lambs’ ear, sage, and thyme invite gentle caresses. The cool, flowing water of a water feature offers another tactile experience. Consider the interesting textured barks of trees like birch or apple.

Smell

Fragrance can evoke powerful memories and emotions. Plant a succession of sweet-smelling blooms throughout the seasons, from the heady perfume of lilacs in spring to the sweet scent of sweet peas in summer and the subtle fragrance of asters in fall. Include fragrant herbs like lavender, rosemary, and mint, which release their aromas when brushed against. Consider the earthy scent of Cedar mulch or the fresh, clean smell of freshly cut grass. Other fragrant additions include alyssum, nicotiana, lily of the valley, and phlox.

Taste

While not always the primary focus, incorporating edible elements adds another dimension to your sensory garden. Plant a variety of herbs, vegetables, and fruits that you can harvest and enjoy. Even some flowers, like nasturtiums, pansies, violas, calendula, bee balm, day lilies, rose hips, and even dandelions, are edible and offer unique flavours. Imagine hosting a summer cook-out surrounded by the fragrant herbs and colourful edible blooms you’ve grown yourself!

Creating a sensory garden is an ongoing journey, one that evolves with the seasons and your own personal preferences. Start small, perhaps by focusing on one or two senses, and gradually expand your design. By thoughtfully incorporating elements that engage all five senses, you can transform your Calgary garden into a truly enriching and immersive experience – a place where nature’s beauty can be fully appreciated and your well-being nurtured.