Sensory Garden

Definition:-

A sensory garden is a garden or other plot specifically created to be accessible and enjoyable to visitors, both disabled and non-disabled. The purpose of such a provision is to provide individual and combined sensory opportunities for the user such that they may not normally experience.

Sensory gardens can explore all aspects of the senses – sight, smell, touch, sound and taste. They are an excellent way to introduce the delights of a garden.

They can also be beneficial to wildlife as animals, insects and birds use their senses all the time to find food and protection.

The Location

The location identified for the project by Elvaston Castle Management and the Parish Plan Steering Group (now Elvaston Communities Group) is within the Old English Garden in the grounds of the Castle.

Before proceeding with the plan, a public consultation took place and around 100 people gave their views.

These have been incorporated in our plans.

The Old English Garden is already open to the Public.

It is a secure walled environment with easy access

It is a sunny and sheltered location which was in need of renovation

Raised planting beds already existed.

There is ample existing seating with places to relax and enjoy.

To improve access to the site by re grading existing pathways.
Relaying of the York Stone paving where necessary.
Removal of existing plants, digging over the soil.
Adding compost to rejuvenate the soil in the raised beds.
Cleaning the existing wooden benches.
Developing a planting scheme using existing plants, plants grown on from cuttings from the Castle grounds and purchase of specialist plants.
Commence phased planting during summer and autumn.
Install a water feature in the garden.
Provide decorative metal arches at the access points