Sensory Garden added at Paulding UGA Extension offices in Dallas

Paulding County's UGA Extension has introduced its new sensory garden program in Dallas. But what exactly is a “Sensory Garden” and what is its purpose?
A sensory garden is a garden environment that’s designed with the purpose of stimulating the senses. This stimulation occurs courtesy of plants and the use of materials that engage one's senses of sight, smell, touch, taste, and sound.
A video presentation screened during the Board of Commissioners Work Session last week gave some details about the program.
According to Christen Thomas, program coordinator for the Master Gardner program and featured in the video presentation, the garden is for youngsters, but adults can enjoy it as well.
“The Sensory Garden is designed to target early elementary stages. It engages the five senses and enhances things that they learn early on. So, it was a class project. We had 11 go through the Master Gardeners program in 2021,” Thomas said.
Sensory gardens provide intimate spaces where young children can be immersed in the scents, textures, and colors of plants and related elements. Along with specially selected plants, sensory gardens may also include elements such as wind chimes, wind socks, flags, and children’s art. Two popular forms of sensory gardens are sensory pathways and keyhole gardens.
Master Gardner Bruce Deppen was involved in the project and commented on the video presentation.
“Great experience in terms of coordinating volunteers,” said Deppen. “I’m glad Christen pointed us in the direction to have this sensory garden in order to use as an educational tool for the extension office and for local schools and for anyone who just wants to come out and take a look at it,” he said.
These types of gardens are popular with and beneficial to both children and adults, and additionally those who have sensory processing issues, including autism and other disabilities.
The Sensory Garden is at Paulding’s UGA Extension offices located at 530 West Memorial Drive. For more information visit the county extension’s website at extension.uga.edu/county-offices/paulding.