A wonderfully rich, fragrant garden will appeal to all of your senses, offering scent and beauty at different times of day – all throughout the year. When planning my own sensory garden, it was important to me to follow the same principles, which is why I adore what Derrik Eichelberger at Arcadia Studios Landscape has done in Meg Ryan's garden.
Designed to create an immersive experience, you'll never regret following in the footsteps of Ryan to plant a fragrant garden that aligns with our senses. This example is one of the best I've ever seen of a domestic landscape. The results truly speak for themselves. I employed similar planting, materials and colors in my outdoor space to replicate the look, feel and smell. Even on a much smaller scale, it still works equally well.
When creating a sensory garden there are two possibilities in terms of layout. Either opt for a series of interactions with separate zones that stimulate each of the senses, such as sitting next to a pond or enjoying the sound of wind in the leaves. Alternatively choose a multi-sensory experience where you engage with everything simultaneously, like walking along a gravel path bordered by colorful scented plants and brushing your fingertips through the foliage.
I prefer to landscape with gravel where possible. Gravel garden ideas can create depth and bring structure to your garden, as well as add a decorative touch.
If you're looking for a way to plan a dry garden, go for gravel. 'Lawns risk making our gardens bland, says nurseryman Oliver Filippi. 'Finding ways to replace them is a move against uniformity.' This on-trend design approach is both low-maintenance and eco-friendly.' It's the optimum choice if you are planning a drought-tolerant yard.
Plus, gravel is not only cheap and low-maintenance, but the often loud crunching noise it makes underfoot can be a good burglar deterrent.
Another important aspect of Ryan's sensory space is the fragrant planting. Choose plants with fragrance that drenches the air such as mock orange (philadelphus), roses, jasmine, and honeysuckle, as well as the curry plant (Helichrysum italicum), which is beautifully scented on warm days.
As an extra sensory layer include plants with scents that need to be experienced up close by brushing your fingers through them like lavender and scented geraniums, as well as herbs like rosemary, mint, sage and thyme, which need to be picked or crushed to release their aroma.
Plant either side of a winding gravel path to get the most out of the experience.
As a nature lover, I wanted to include plenty of wildlife garden ideas in my space. ‘The greater the range of plants in a garden, the more wildlife it will attract,’ say garden designers Charlotte Harris and Hugo Bugg of Harris Bugg Studio. ‘Choosing a variety of heights, colors and flowering times of the year will fast-track your backyard into a butterfly delight. Think about offering a pollinator buffet.’
Introducing water – even just a small container such as a birdbath or miniature pond – will make a difference and will help your garden come alive with wildlife.
Finally, include elements of 'touch' in your yard. From feathery planting and silky petals to smooth pebbles and polished stepping stones, as well as peeling bark and spongy moss, there is no better place than the sensory garden to explore touch. Choose plants with textured flowers, foliage, berries, seeds, bark and twigs. It is the perfect finishing touch. My personal favorite tree to grow is the olive variety. The Arbequina Olive Tree from Fast Growing Trees is a staple in my backyard. I also have the Waxleaf Privet Shrub from Fast Growing Trees for added privacy with just a hint of color. They are perfect for boundaries and covering unattractive fencing.
Shop the look
A gravel garden is a practical and low-maintenance option to include in a sunny, weed-free and well-drained position. It can perfectly set off the Mediterranean, drought-tolerant planting, and can complement other hard surfaces. Good plant choices to use alongside this gravel are herbs, such as ribbons of lavender and thyme, euphorbia and nepeta.
Annabelle hydrangeas are hugely popular flowering shrubs that tick many boxes. They are gorgeous, reliable, and need little maintenance each year. And, unlike its blue and pink counterparts, this classic beauty prevails in colder regions year after year. It is my favorite of the hydrangea varieties.
If camouflage is needed, there are few better ways than planting fast-growing evergreen shrubs. Star Jasmine Vine Shrub is also one of the best plants for hiding an eyesore, such as an unsightly fence or neighbor garden. If you need any more convincing, the smell alone is a good reason to plant Star Jasmine.
