Sight
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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.…
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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…
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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…
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Paperbark maple
Acer griseum A small tree with peeling, papery bark and beautiful autumn colour. Purpose: plant a paperbark maple for dappled shade and autumn colour. The peeling bark gives appealing texture to the trunk and branches. Sensory appeal Sight Papery, chestnut brown bark. Red and orange autumn foliage Touch Textured bark Quick facts Height 8-12m Spread…