How to Choose Plants for a Child's Sensory Garden

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By Angela Antonelli
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Choose Plants for a Child's Sensory Garden

Children are drawn to the colors and scents of flowers, but why stop there? It can be fun to explore some of the other wonderful plants which can provide amazing sensory experiences for your child.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Seeds or starter plants
Planters or outdoor gardening space

Step 1

Lemon Balm

Smell. Herbs are a class of plants that children love to rub and smell. It can be surprising to rub a leaf and be rewarded with an unexpected scent such as lemon, cinnamon, or chocolate. Some great choices include Lemon Basil and other basils that smell like lime or cinnamon. Mint plants come in a wide variety of scents as well. You can find Chocolate Mint, Orange Mint, and many others. For a bit of Christmas in July, try some Pine Scented Rosemary.
Step 2

Lamb's Ear

Touch. "Lamb's Ear" (Stachys Byzantina) has a texture so soft, that it can feel as if you're petting an animal (hence the name). On the other end of the spectrum is the Strawflower. Strawflowers look like regular flowers, but when you go to touch them, they feel incredibly dry and papery. You can also choose from lots of lumpy, bumpy ornamental gourds.
Step 3

Sensitive Plant, closed

Sight. "Sensitive Plant" (Mimosa Pudica) has an interesting response to touch - the leaves immediately close up. This is a fascinating sight to see, but do be careful to touch only the leaves, since they also have very sharp thorns.
Step 4

Edible Flowers

Taste. Try planting some of the herbs listed in step 1, and use them in your cooking, to make iced tea, and so on. Be sure to wash thoroughly prior to use. There are many edible flowers as well, such as Violets, Roses, Honeysuckle, and so on. Why not try an "all flower" salad? Make sure that you only use plants that you are familiar with, and always teach children to consult an adult prior to consuming part of a plant.
Step 5

Gourds

Hear. This category takes a bit more time. However, if you plant gourds, you can dry them and hear the seeds rattle inside. There are other things to listen for in your garden as well. Plants attract all sorts of birds and insects. Try keeping a journal of the different sounds that you hear in your garden.

Comments

SensitivePlant said

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on 7/3/2009 Great Article, #3 the sensitive plant is now called the TickleMe Plant because it really MOVES when you Tickle It! The leaves instantly close and even the branches droop when Tickled. You can find the highest quality seed to grow a TickleMe Plant and even TickleMe Plant Party Favors at Http://www.ticklemeplant.com