SENSORY GARDEN

The Clotilde Irvine Sensory Garden is a model display of accessible containers and planting designs suitable for a variety of gardening styles and abilities. It was designed for the Therapeutic Horticulture Program. Visitors in wheel chairs can enter the garden and see, on a smaller scale, many of the features found elsewhere in the Arboretum. The tree are crabapples, reflecting the Arboretums largest collection. There are annual and perennial gardens, a small rock garden, herbs, and water features. The open-air structure, home to many classes, and fencing are charactertistic of the Arboretum's architecture.

The garden is designed to appeal to all the senses. The color tile didactics beg to be touched. When activated, they explain human sensory responses. The three water features and the wind in the tall grass provide appealing sounds. It demonstrates the ways in which gardens can be made accessible. Hanging baskets can be raised and lowered. The ground level bed is edged in brick, making it easy to find with a cane, and raised beds are constructed of various materials (concrete block, wood, exposed aggregate) to demonstrate ways the home gardener can accommodate special needs.

ARBORETUM ENTRY

As you enter the Arboretum, tell the gatehouse you are headed to the Sensory Garden and they can assist you with additional directions

PARKING
FREE Parking

ORDWAY PARKING LOT
(Closest lot, limited spaces)

After you gain entry past the Arboretum gatehouse, follow the drive towards the Visitor Center
Drive PAST the main Visitor Center parking bays
Turn LEFT at the second stop sign towards Three Mile Drive
Continue straight up a hill
(DO NOT turn right onto Three Mile Drive)
Continue STRAIGHT down the hill
You will see a large picnic shelter on your left
TURN RIGHT into the ORDWAY SHELTER/SENSORY GARDEN parking lot.
The Sensory Garden is at the far end (west) of the parking lot

 

VISITOR CENTER LOT

After you gain entry past the Arboretum gatehouse, follow the drive towards the Visitor Center
Turn right at the first stop sign
Park in one of the Visitor's Center Parking Lot bays.
As you exit the parking lot on foot, follow the signs towards Three-Mile Drive, you will pass the Visitor Center on your left.
Continue straight up a hill
(DO NOT turn right onto Three Mile Drive)
Continue STRAIGHT down the hill
You will see a large picnic shelter on your left
TURN RIGHT into the ORDWAY SHELTER/SENSORY GARDEN parking lot.
The Sensory Garden is at the far end (west) of the parking lot