Tag: mental health

Creating our Sensory Garden

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This year started with a project that had been in my mind for many years and finally we made a start. The idea is to create a sensory garden to provide a calming, empowering, and enjoyable space tailored to how Iris experiences the world.

It will be our safe place, a sanctuary, no matter what happens in the world we will know we can go out into the garden and feel peaceful. Iris can use the sensory input to self-regulate, the garden can become a safe retreat during shutdowns, anxiety, or emotional overload.

I thought I would share with you some of our progress so far and highlight some of the benefits of creating this garden.

Physical and nervous-system benefits

Gardening can naturally support:

  • Movement and coordination
  • Fine motor skills
  • Vestibular and proprioceptive input
  • Sleep and mood regulation through outdoor light exposure

Sensory exploration

Autistic people can be sensory-seeking, sensory-avoidant, or both depending on the situation. A sensory garden allows for safe exploration

  • Soft textures
  • Different colors and light levels
  • Fragrant plants
  • Tactile pathways
  • Safe things to touch, smell, create and observe
  • Musical instruments
  • Water

Unlike crowded public environments, the input can be intentional and adjustable.

Support for special interests

Iris enjoys nature, wildlife, art, weather, birds, colors and collecting things. The garden can connect deeply with those interests. Special interests are often emotionally regulating and joyful helping her throughout the day.

Reduced demand for social interaction

Outdoor sensory spaces allow engagement without requiring conversation, eye contact, or social performance. This can feel restorative and calming and very often means that Iris is actually more social than she would be in a more typical social scenario.

Independence and confidence

Gardening activities can support:

  • Decision-makin
  • Routine-building
  • Responsibility
  • Practical life skills

Seeing plants grow from her own effort builds self-esteem and a sense of competence.

This project will be on going and continually evolving. It can be fine tuned to what ever interests come alive over the years to come.

How Planting Trees Benefits Mental Health and Climate

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This Spring we have been on a mission with the The Woodland Trust to plant more trees to create our own therapeutic woodland.

Native Trees & Climate Change

We have planted native English tress, 105 in total! Oak, Field Maple, Grey Willow, Rowan, Silver Birch & Wild Cherry.

Trees are one of our best defences in the fight against climate change. They absorb carbon, cool cities, prevent floods, clean air and protect wildlife. Planting more trees isn’t just about saving cute animals, it’s about safeguarding our health, homes and future.

The Health Benefits Of Planting Trees

For Iris there are extra benefits from this project, she gets to spend time in nature which helps her anxiety & balances her nervous system.

The digging and heavy work activates her proprioceptors. So what does this mean? Proprioceptors are embedded within our joints and muscles that receive feedback each time we move; they provide us with information about our body’s position in space and where each body part is, as well as what it’s doing. They also give us information regarding how much or how little force we are exerting. This system controls balance, movement, and body awareness. The more detailed work helps with fine motor skills and has the added bonus of sensory joys and intriguing discoveries.

How you can join in with the fun – Plant your own tree

You can help by planting a tree in your garden, outdoor or community space. Even a single tree can make a big difference. Every sapling counts. From alder to yew, plant a tree in your outdoor space and help protect us all.

Here is a link to some helpful advice about how to plant a tree – How to Plant Trees – Plant Trees – Woodland Trust

Connecting with nature lowers cortisol levels and increases serotonin levels, enhancing mood and reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression. Nurturing plants and witnessing their growth boosts self-esteem and provides a sense of accomplishment.

While planting the Willow Trees in the garden it reminded me of Iris’s painting ‘Willow Grace’, so will leave you with some beautiful colours to inspire some planting.