Building a sensory garden: plants and activities for kids
Do you wish you had a space where your child could explore, unwind, and just be – without feeling overstimulated or overwhelmed? A sensory garden might be exactly what you’re looking for. Whether your child is neurodivergent, has a disability, or just thrives in hands-on, nature-filled environments, a well-planned sensory garden can provide a safe, engaging, and calming retreat.
And, if you’re lacking in space or skills, you don’t need a huge backyard or a green thumb to make it happen. With the right plants and a few simple ideas, you can create a space that encourages curiosity, soothes anxious moments, and brings a little bit of magic to everyday life.
Let’s break down what to plant, how to use the space, and some fun ways to make it interactive.
The Power of a Sensory Garden
Sensory gardens work by engaging all five senses – touch, sight, sound, smell, and taste – in a way that feels natural and inviting. For kids who struggle with sensory processing, anxiety, or focus, this kind of space can help them regulate emotions, build confidence, and even develop motor skills.
It’s also a great way to get kids outdoors and away from screens for a while. Plus, digging in the dirt? Turns out, it’s actually good for mental health! There’s research showing that exposure to soil microbes can boost mood – so a little messy play is totally worth it.
Choosing the Right Plants
Not all plants are created equal when it comes to sensory engagement. Here are some great choices, all of which grow well in Australian conditions:
Touch-friendly plants
- Lamb’s Ear (Stachys byzantina): The ultimate soft and fuzzy plant—kids love stroking its velvety leaves.
- Native Correa (Correa species): Has thick, slightly waxy leaves that feel cool and smooth to touch.
Plants that pop visually
- Kangaroo paw (Anigozanthos spp.): These bright, textured flowers in red, yellow, and orange look almost otherworldly—plus, they attract birds.
- Everlasting daisy (Xerochrysum bracteatum): Beautiful, bright flowers with papery petals that feel crunchy when touched.
Scented plants for a calming effect
- Lavender (Lavandula spp.): Classic, calming, and easy to grow—it’s great for kids who benefit from gentle sensory regulation.
- Lemon myrtle (Backhousia citriodora): Crush a leaf between your fingers, and you get an instant citrus burst! Perfect for kids who like fresh, strong scents.
Tasty edible plants
- Strawberries (Fragaria × ananassa): Easy to grow and super rewarding—picking and eating homegrown strawberries is a great sensory activity.
- Finger lime (Citrus australasica): This native fruit is fun to squeeze, revealing tiny, tangy citrus pearls inside.
Plants that add sound to the space
- Bamboo (Bambusoideae): The gentle rustling sound in the breeze is naturally calming.
- Grevillea (Grevillea spp.): Not only visually striking, but it attracts nectar-loving birds, adding nature’s soundtrack to your garden.
Beyond the Planting 🌿✨
A sensory garden isn’t just about plants—it’s about creating a fully immersive experience. Here are a few extra elements to make your space even more engaging:
Wind chimes & water features – Soft, soothing sounds can be incredibly calming. Try bamboo or metal wind chimes, or add a small bubbling water fountain.
Sensory pathway – Create a path with different textures like smooth pebbles, bark chips, stepping stones, and soft grass to explore barefoot.
Tactile play area – Set up a spot with natural materials like a sandpit, a mud kitchen, or a bin filled with smooth stones for hands-on play.
Hideaway spaces – A little tent, cubby house, or even a hammock tucked into a quiet corner can offer a safe retreat when kids need downtime.
Shade & seating – A simple outdoor bean bag, swing chair, or picnic rug makes the space inviting for both kids and parents.
Colour & movement – Spinning garden ornaments, rainbow sun catchers, or even painted rocks add a bit of visual interest and fun.
The best sensory gardens are all about what works for your child—so mix, match, and experiment!
Fun Sensory Activities to Try
Once your sensory garden is set up, it’s time to make the most of it! Here are some easy, low-prep activities to encourage exploration and engagement:
Texture hunt
Encourage your child to explore different textures by feeling leaves, bark, flowers, and soil. Can they find something smooth, rough, fuzzy, or soft?
Scent matching game
Pick a few scented leaves (lavender, lemon myrtle, mint) and have your child close their eyes while smelling them. Can they guess which one is which?
Listening walk
Sit quietly and listen—can your child hear birds, rustling leaves, or buzzing insects? Try whispering and noticing how different sounds carry in the garden.
Barefoot pathway
If you have space, create a small path with different textures—soft grass, smooth pebbles, bark mulch—so your child can walk barefoot and feel the changes underfoot.
Pick-and-taste adventure
Grow a few edible plants and encourage your child to pick and taste them when ripe—strawberries, finger limes, or bush tomatoes are great for this!
A Few Tips for Success
✔ Keep it low-maintenance. Choose hardy, drought-tolerant plants so you don’t have to stress about upkeep.
✔ Make it accessible. Raised garden beds, wide pathways, and comfy seating help make the space usable for all abilities.
✔ Check for allergies or sensitivities. If your child is sensitive to strong scents or textures, introduce plants gradually to see what works best.
✔ Embrace the mess! Gardening can be messy, but that’s part of the fun. Have a ‘garden outfit’ for dirt-friendly play.
A sensory garden doesn’t have to be fancy or complicated – it just needs to be a space where your child can explore, play, and feel at ease. Whether it’s a few pots on a balcony or a big backyard setup, the goal is to create a space where nature becomes a safe and joyful experience.
And who knows? You might find yourself sneaking off to enjoy the calming benefits of your sensory garden, too.
