PROPERTY NEWS - We have seen in previous articles how to employ the senses of sight, hearing, taste and smell in garden design. Introducing the sense of touch will complete the sensory experience of your garden.
All over the world, there are sensory gardens, specifically designed to enhance the quality of life of those deprived of their eyesight by letting them experience the joys of nature through their other senses, including their acute sense of touch. You can also enhance the enjoyment of your own garden by getting in touch with tactile delights.
An old friend of mine used to say, "Seeing is believing, but touch is the holy truth", when talking about beautiful girls.
An old Chinese proverb says, "When I hear, I forget, when I see, I remember, when I feel, I understand".
Digging in the dirt, walking barefoot over wet grass, sitting on a sun-warmed rock, or touching the variety of textures of plants can be a delightful sensation. So also will be the invigorating feeling of mist spray on your skin in a greenhouse or a special part of your garden where you have created your own miniature "rain forest" of tropical plants under trees.
Provide sunny and shady areas so that you can experience the contrasting temperatures.
Water features are refreshing and wonderful for engaging your touch, as the cool water flows gently over your hands. Enjoy the feathery feel of the soft and silky leaves of silver sage and lamb's ears (Stachys byzantina) or the delightful coarseness of the bark of a kiepersol tree. Experience the irresistible sensation of sliding your hand over cool mosses.
Other plants that will fascinate the fingers are bleeding hearts, foxgloves, feathery ferns and the tender touch of plumed ornamental grasses, such as fountain grass and other Pennisetum species.
The smooth surfaces of many succulents can be soothing to the touch. Let your skin be stimulated when you brush by the foliage of trees such as the weeping willow overhanging a pathway, or shrubs "intruding" from the side and enjoy the crushing of the gravel on the pathway underfoot.
Consider planting a hardy ground cover plant in high traffic areas, rather than grass, such as the silvery Dymondia margarethae, providing a delightful, massaging touch to your bare feet.
Contact Ben at benroos7@gmail.com.
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