What is a sensory garden?

These are areas that are designed to have a variety of elements that usually stimulate a range of senses, but could be designed to target just one or two, such as smell and taste. This could be provided for animals by planting a variety of herbs and plants they could interact with.  For more information on suitable plants see below, or why not arrange a Herbal Choices session to identify which plants are of particular interest.  If using containers, care should be taken in choosing those that do not leach chemicals; this also  includes the use of  worn tyres which also have the potential to do this. 

To stimulate other senses, such as touch, other elements could be added including a variety of materials to walk on such as pebbles, mulch, twigs, sand, wooded and gravelled areas.  A water feature such as a pond or stream could also be beneficial, and sound could be introducted by adding fountains or waterfalls, or grasses that would create sound when they move in the wind; however adding objects that create loud or unpredictable noises are best avoided.  Some animals may also enjoy things such as wind chimes, but you will be best gauged if this is suitable for their character.  Lawned areas, or chamomile lawn, that are maintained pesticide-free, however small, are encouraged rather than "plastic" or artificial grass which can heat up quite dramatically on sunny days and is not biodegradable.  Emission of toxins is also widely discussed on social media, however significant changes have been made since the first artificial turf was introduced in the 1960s, with lead and crumb rubber free options now available.  However cheap imports would appear to be best avoided.  Moss lawns are also growing in popularity as an option, as are clover lawns which are more resistant to urine stains. 

The purpose of this type of garden is to not only provide sensory interest, but also a place that is relaxing for your animal; and whatever space  is available, sensory enrichment elements can be scaled up or down to fit within this area.  For more information about options to add see our Enrichment page.