Author: thegardendeli
-
Mexican feathergrass
Stipa tenuissima The feathery flowering stems of this grass sway in the slightest breeze, bringing gentle movement to the garden. Purpose: plant in blocks or lines to provide movement and a contrasting buff-cream background to more brightly coloured plants. The grass looks especially effective planted with lavender or nepeta. Sensory appeal Sight Foliage and buff…
-
Fennel
Foeniculum vulgare An easy to grow herb which forms a large plant with feathery foliage and tall stems of small yellow flowers. Grow either green fennel or the bronze leaved variety F. vulgare ‘Purpureum’. Purpose: fennel leaves have a gentle aniseed scent. The leaves, flowers and seeds are all edible. The plant forms a see-through…
-
Rose-scented geranium
Pelargonium graveolens Rub the crinkly leaves to release a gentle rose fragrance. The plant is best grown in a pot so it can be moved inside during winter to protect it from frost. Purpose: pelargoniums are easy to grow pot plants. The scented leaves can be placed in the base of a cake tin to…
-
Purple coneflower
Echinacea purpurea Purple petals with a prominent orange/pink centre that feels bristly. The dark green leaves have a rough, hairy texture. Purpose: coneflowers are a favourite with bees, bringing movement and buzzing to the garden. They are widely used in products taken to support the immune system. Sensory appeal Sight Large daisy-like flowers Touch The…
-
Common daisy
Bellis perennis Daisies have associations with childhood – picking the flowers to make daisy chains. They are easy to grow in lawns and encourage interaction. Purpose: daisy flowers have radial symmetry, making them attractive to look at. Garden users can sit on the grass to pick the flowers, helping build strength, flexibility and balance through…
-
Greater quaking grass
Briza maxima An easy to grow grass that brings movement and sound to the garden. Purpose: Sowing Briza maxima in spring is an easy activity that encourages hand-eye co-ordination. The pendulous flowers move in a breeze and create gentle background sound. Sensory appeal Sight Brings movement to the garden Sound The flower and seedheads rustle…
-
Lemon verbena
Aloysia citrodora An amazingly lemon scented plant. The leaves have a refreshing lemon sherbet smell and flavour. Grow in a pot in a sunny spot through the spring and summer. Bring indoors to protect from frost. Purpose: use the leaves to make a refreshing lemon tea. Sensory appeal Scent Refreshing lemon scent Taste Edible leaves…
-
Greater masterwort
Astrantia major Also known as Hattie’s pincushion because the flowers look like a miniature pincushion with a ruff of petal-like bracts. The flowers are fascinating to look at and can be gently touched to feel the ‘pins’. Purpose: an easy to grow and long-flowering plant that forms an interesting focal point in a sensory border.…
-
Common thyme
Thymus vulgaris Thyme forms a low-growing evergreen shrub with fine leaves that release a distinctive fragrance when rubbed between the fingers. Purpose: thyme leaves can be used in cooking activities. The flowers attract bees and other pollinators. Sensory appeal Sight Evergreen structure Scent Leaves have a woody, herbal scent when rubbed Taste Edible leaves and…
-
Sage
Salvia officinalis An attractive evergreen shrub with soft leaves. The leaves have a distinctive earthy, woody fragrance when rubbed. Purpose: sage leaves are widely used in cooking. Some varieties will produce masses of flowers in early summer which attract bees. Sensory appeal Sight Evergreen structure Scent Leaves release a woody, earthy scent when rubbed Taste…