Introduction what is a sensory Garden

This blog has been compiled as part of my third year Occupational Therapy course for the paper Transition to practise.I see this blog as an area to collate all useful information in modifying gardens i.e. sensory gardens and how these environments can stimulate occupation. I will be providing as many possible links and extra information as possible and I implore people to add or make comments .

Before we start heres some basics on sensory integration.

‘Sensory Processing’ As Champagne (2011) states it  is the neurological process by which we all take in and integrate the sensory information from our own bodies & the world around us.

This process allows us to provide meaning to the sensory information we receive and to produce responses appropriate to ourselves, the task and the environment in which we function.
 The majority of us are born with the capacity to receive sensory information and organise it effortlessly into appropriate behavioural and physiological responses.
 Sensory processing disorder (SPD) is a condition as the SPD foundation (2012) point out on their site that exists when sensory signals don't get organized into appropriate responses. A person with SPD finds it difficult to process and act upon information received through the senses, which creates challenges in performing countless everyday tasks. Motor clumsiness, behavioural problems, anxiety, depression, school failure, and other impacts may result if the disorder is not treated effectively.

 For more information on this subject here's a Link to spd foundation  www.spdfoundation.net

 Sensory Processing Disorder  retrieved on 25th june 2012 from ://youtu.be/6O6Cm0WxEZAtube.

   Champagne, T. (2011). Sensory modulation and environments: Essential   elements of occupation (3rd ed.). Australia: Pearson Australia Group Pty  Ltd.
 Cooper Marcus and Barnes (1999) state gardens can be healing and restorative via a number of mechanisms and that its  most obvious element  is the aesthetic of nature."That is creating a beautiful verdant place that will be a powerful enticement to go outdoors, being outdoors, experiencing sunlight ,vowing trees and flowers .listening to the sounds of a waterfall can have measurable stress reducing effects"(Cooper Marcus and Barnes,1999 p.54).

These healing effects can be enhanced by design effects and can be optimally used in sensory gardens.
School11.jpg retrieved on 20 /07/2012 from  mmlandscapedesign.co.nz

 What is a sensory garden: It is a garden created with the intention to provide a range of sensory experiences within a close proximity. Generally, items included are plants of varying textures, colours and scents, water fountains, sprinklers, chimes, and lighting to create a soothing environment. The garden can be individualised to target specific senses such as sight, sound, touch, smell ,proprioception and taste.The key to remember is that the garden should naturally stimulate all of the senses and to aim it for the people that will use it.

References

Champagne (2011). Sensory modulation and environments:Essential elements of occupation (3rd ed),Austrailia:Pearson Austrailia group.

Marcus,C,C.Barnes,M.(1999). Healing gardens:thereupeutic and design recommendations.New Jersey,USA:John wiley & sons ltd.

Sensory processing foundation retrieved on 20/07/12 from www.spdfoundation.net.

Champagne , T. (2011). Sensory modulation and environments: Essential   elements of occupation (3rd ed.). Australia: earson Australia Group