What are some great plants for a year-round sensory garden?

What are some great plants for a year-round sensory garden?

For a year-round sensory garden, consider plants that engage all five senses. For sight, you can use vibrant flowers like lavender and echinacea. For scent, herbs like rosemary and mint are excellent. For touch, plants like lamb's ear have soft leaves, and for sound, ornamental grasses can create soothing rustling sounds. Finally, for taste, you can include edible plants like strawberries and peppers.

Can you suggest some specific varieties of those plants?

Sure! For lavender, try 'Munstead' or 'Hidcote'. For echinacea, 'Purple Coneflower' is a favorite. For rosemary, 'Tuscan Blue' is robust, and for mint, 'Peppermint' is aromatic. Lamb's ear can be found as 'Big Ears', and for ornamental grasses, consider 'Blue Fescue'. For strawberries, 'June-bearing' varieties like 'Earliglow' are delicious.

What about seasonal plants? Any recommendations?

Absolutely! In spring, consider planting tulips and daffodils for vibrant colors. In summer, sunflowers and zinnias thrive. For fall, ornamental kale and chrysanthemums add great texture and color. In winter, consider evergreens like holly or winterberry for visual interest.

How do I maintain these plants throughout the year?

Maintenance varies by plant, but generally, ensure proper watering, especially during dry spells. Prune dead or overgrown branches, and apply mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Fertilize during the growing season, and be mindful of pests. Each plant may have specific needs, so it's good to research individual care requirements.