Sensory Garden Design & Maintenance
Engage in building a sensory garden to combine occupational therapy concepts, sensory stimulation, and physical movement. Start with designing, creating, and maintaining a sensory garden to gain the benefits of its cognitive and physical engagement.
You’ll Need:
Gardening tools (trowel, gloves, watering can, etc.)
Various plants, herbs, and flowers with different textures, scents, and colors
Containers or a designated outdoor gardening space
Instructions:
Start with the planning and designing steps of your sensory garden, considering the placement of each plant, and combining various textures, colors, and scents within the space.
Plan out and take notes on the maintenance needs of each plant (watering, pruning, harvesting) and create a care schedule.
Engage in the planting process, starting with preparing the containers or the designated outdoor space, and then planting the selected plants, flowers, and herbs.
Engage with your new sensory garden regularly, spending time touching the plants, smelling the scents, and visually appreciating the colors and shapes. Focusing on the sensory experience can help you practice mindfulness and relaxation.
Be sure to maintain their sensory garden, ensuring your plants are healthy, and engaging in the routine care of each plant.
This activity addresses various occupational therapy goals, such as fine motor skill development, manual dexterity, cognitive planning and organization, strengthening and flexibility, and sensory processing. Creating and maintaining a sensory garden can promote mindfulness, relaxation, and a sense of accomplishment throughout the process.
