As part of our Rooted in Reading grant, RPL is installing an example sensory garden. This small area highlights different ways to experience a garden. They can help people connect with nature and become more aware of their surroundings.
A sensory garden stimulates your senses—in this case, sight, smell, sound, and touch. The goal of a sensory garden is to encourage visitors to interact with the garden and experience it with all their senses. Example plants include perennial herbs such as oregano, thyme, and sage (smell). Other plants include Sweet Fern (smell and touch), Lamb’s Ear (touch), and Lavender (smell). We plan to add chimes (sound), a solar fountain (sound), and bright seasonal blooms (sight) throughout the year.
Fall is a great time to put in new plants. Frequent watering helps establish new plants for the winter and a layer of leaf mulch provides nutrients and protection for young roots.
Rooted in Reading is made possible by grant funds from the Institute of Museum and Library Services as administered by the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners. Additional support is provided by the Friends of the Reading Public Library and the Reading Public Library Foundation.
