Step into the Sensory Garden, located near the Vale parking lot, and enter a small wonderland designed to awaken every sense. Colorful blooms, interesting textures, restful sounds, and fragrant blossoms greet you at every turn. Perhaps a vivid zinnia will catch your eye or a lamb’s ear will gently brush your fingertips.
Take a seat and listen to birdsong as water splashes softly in a nearby fountain, while the scent of fresh herbs rosemary, thyme, and lemon verbena—is carried on a passing breeze. Touch, taste, smell, sight, and sound are all within easy reach along the wide pathways and raised flower and herb beds. In this unique and barrier-free space, visitors of all abilities can experience nature up close.
Each year, the Sensory Garden is lovingly recreated in late spring by a dedicated team of volunteers. Tender and sun-loving plants return from their winter retreat in the arboretum’s greenhouse—banana plants, jade, succulents, coleus—ready to join the crocus, iris, lavender and other hardy perennials that braved the winter cold. Together they transform the garden into a serene sanctuary where nature’s rejuvenation and restorative power are once again in full bloom.