Sensory gardens enhancing Education
Outdoor Learning and Sensory Experiences
Outdoor learning has a meaningful effect on both children and adults. Experiencing nature through the senses deepens our connections to the world around us and provides numerous cognitive, physical, and emotional benefits.
The American Psychological Association (APA) notes that:
“…exposure to nature has been linked to a host of benefits, including improved attention, lower stress, better mood, reduced risk of psychiatric disorders, and even increases in empathy and cooperation.” (APA, 2020)
What Are Sensory Gardens?
Sensory gardens are thoughtfully designed outdoor spaces that engage the senses of sight, smell, touch, taste, and sound. By incorporating diverse plants, materials, and features, these gardens provide a hands-on, immersive connection with nature.
Benefits of Sensory Gardens
Therapeutic benefits:
Reduce stress, anxiety, and depression
Provide calming and restorative environments
Educational benefits:
Encourage learning about plants, ecosystems, and biodiversity
Support experiential and inquiry-based learning
Physical benefits:
Promote movement, gardening, pruning, and harvesting activities
Improve fine motor skills, coordination, and general physical activity
Cognitive benefits:
Enhance memory, attention, and cognitive function
Stimulate curiosity and problem-solving skills through interactive experiences
Environmental benefits:
Foster awareness of sustainability, conservation, and ecological stewardship
Encourage long-term engagement with the natural environment
Overall, sensory gardens support wellbeing, learning, and environmental awareness, making them ideal for schools, community spaces, and educational programs.
How CREATE Ecology Can Help
If you’re looking to build an engaging outdoor learning space, Create Ecology can help you design, plan, and implement a sensory garden or nature play-scape that suits your site, goals, and users. We love creating spaces that inspire curiosity, connection, and care for the natural world.
For guidance or to discuss a project, get in touch via hello@createecology.com.au.
Resources
APA 2020 Nurtured by Nature, American Psychological Association, Vol 51(3)
Royal Botanic Garden Sydney – Design Your Own Sensory Garden