Monroe County Master Gardener Association

Photos and story by Gail K.

With Covid restrictions lifted- the newly formed Monroe County Horticulture Club
eagerly welcomed & celebrated the onset of their 2021 “Tour season” with a visit
to the Toledo Botanical gardens,

Not a new tour site for our group; but this time we were on a mission to see the completed “sensory” garden.

A perfect weather day in June & all accounted for; let’s begin Part A of our tour!!!!Stella, is one of our hort club members who volunteers @ TBG.She had Steve present his vision for an inclusive sensory garden at a previous meeting. Today, everyone is excited to see how this has finally come to fruition..

We were greeted by TBG staff member Jonathan,who will lead us on a tour

of other gardens following the presentation of the inclusive garden.

At the entryway & with coffee in hand- Steve begin with a history & purpose of the garden.

Approaching the entry-Visitors are greeted by a wave of multi-colored flowers, planted in an arc.

Steve explained how each and every aspect of this garden has a purpose and how it’s focused around any variety of disabilities a person could have.

The design incorporated many special effects;  including unique rocks

specially designed walkways.

Steve explained how & why the garden was designed to encourage visitors to interact with the garden.

Even those without disability-experience more enjoyment when fully engaging their senses in this compact but well designed and impactful garden.

Just had to —didn’t ya Joan????
The displays really draw you in to the experience.

Even the plantings were chosen for the effect they would make on a person’s senses.

When you visit this particular garden–You need to pause-SHHH—QUIET—-sit & calmly let your zen open the soul to your senses. Take it all in, absorbing it deep into the very fiber of your being.

Wait——-Listen
what can you hear?   water??   Bees??  Birds??
Solitude—–Loneliness—-Peacefulness–Harmony

Close your eyes and breathe in, Filling your lungs with thevery essence of the odors that swirl around you on the breeze. Is it sweet, pungent or fruity??Soft, heavy, damp or dry????

 There were visual effects all around the display-

Most of the displays impacted multiple senses; such as the vibrant multi colored geranium which gave way to a heavy aroma if you pressed its leaves.

These plants made a strong visual impact but imagine— if you could not see-

Reach out and touch—-
Bumpy      Rough       Soft       Fluffy       Squishy

Everyone enjoyed our experience & as master gardeners, could fully appreciate the time and effort required for this project to become available for public enjoyment.

THANK YOU STEVE!!!  The gardens are a better place because of your hard work, dedication & willingness to share and bring to fruition your vision for this special garden.

 wishing all a peaceful-post Covid gardening season 2021.

Part B of TBG tour to follow     gk