SENSORY GARDEN

DENVER BOTANIC GARDENS

The Sensory Garden is one of three new gardens designed to further enhance the Denver Botanic Garden’s mission—connecting people with plants. Prominently located near the York Street entrance, it expands the therapeutic function of the existing sensory walk to promote health and well-being through sensory engagement. The garden is designed to be welcoming and accessible for all, especially those with disabilities. We believe that gardens can promote health by fostering moments of connection with the natural world, and that such gardens can be particularly impactful in urban environments like Denver. Nestled within a sunken space, the design intent is to provide visitors with the opportunity to become immersed in a garden focused on plants. The garden is designed for both therapeutic and display purposes, providing an overview of medicinal plants and their uses throughout history. Plant selections offer visual, tactile, olfactory, auditory and gustatory interest. Natural stone, wood and paved surfaces coordinate with plant selections to create a calm and inviting environment. Additionally, planters and work stations accommodate therapeutic workshops and activities, while shaded seating areas welcome visitors to simply sit and experience the garden. We envision the new Sensory Garden as an engaging and restorative place that reinforces the Denver Botanic Gardens’ overall mission.