The Sensory Garden is in a secluded corner of the Formal Garden near the Doric Temple.
It is set amid mature trees, a semi-shaded area which attracts many birds and squirrels.
It is a lovely wild woodland garden, well laid out with seats and curved paths around themed beds, which aim to encourage a large diversity of plants and wildlife, from wild woodland planting to sunny flower beds of perennial plants for bees and butterflies.
As a Sensory Garden, it was originally designed to impact all the senses and lead to a greater feeling of well-being and relaxation and be a tranquil space where visitors to can touch, admire, listen, and enjoy the natural world.
History of the Sensory Garden
Originally established in 1994 through a partnership between Nottingham City Council and the Boots Company, the garden was specifically created to cater to the needs of people with visual impairments.
In 2009, the garden underwent a significant makeover. The redesign of the planting scheme, led by Sue Crosby, a researcher in social therapeutic horticulture at Nottingham Trent University, incorporated diverse sensory experiences. This included a selection of plants with unusual leaf textures, tall grasses, and bamboos that create rustling sounds in the wind. The chosen plants and shrubs were also carefully considered for their year-round interest. This planting has now been largely overtaken by woodland plants.
Volunteering
Since 2020, this small, quiet, secluded space has been cared for by a small group of dedicated volunteers who meet here on Saturday Mornings during the growing season from 10–12 for gentle gardening.
Their aim is to keep the rampant weeds under control and allow the other plants, both wild and introduced, to thrive and gradually add plants to restore and enhance the sensory and colour themes.
Future volunteer session dates:
- Saturday 19 April
- Saturday 26 April
- Saturday 10 May
- Saturday 17 May
- Saturday 24 May
To find out more, please contact us.
Geoffrey the Dragon
Within the Sensory Garden, you will also find Geoffrey the Dragon.
Photographs used on this web page are reproduced with the original artist’s permission. Copyright © for each picture remains with the original artist, who is duly acknowledged for their contribution.
On this page: Wendy Martin, Colin Robbins