TREES FOR SENSORY GARDENS

Arbutus unedo- Irish Strawberry Tree

Matt York described his garden as "a story, a celebration, and a refuge from the overwhelming nature of public events". York's collaborative show garden titled 'Through the Lens' aimed to create an immersive experience, encouraging people to delve into green in an exploratory and sensory way via form, texture, colour and scent.

The time and effort put into show gardens is amazing and the commentary provided by the designers themselves at all levels is both insightful and inspiring.

Left: Bronze winning ‘Through the Lens’ show garden designed by Matt York at Budling and constructed by Peco Construction & Skiplet.

Right: Eucalyptus pulverulenta 'Baby Blue'

Shows like the Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show allow designers and installers to explore what’s possible, in turn inspiring visitors to 'challenge the norm'. Immersive gardens are sensory annd packed with visual interest that works to keep individuals in their gardens for longer. By mixing species with different texture and form - tall with bushy, old with new, or mainstay favourites with architectural succulents, a connection to the environment is formed.

Catalpa bignoioides

Some selections perfect for sensory gardens include:

Arbutus unedo - Rounded form, stringy-bark with bell flowers and edible fruits that ripen to bright red. A delight of colour and touch. Growing to 7m tall, Arbutus unedo is one of a very few flowering small evergreen trees available aside from evergreen Magnolia.

Eucalyptus pulverulenta ‘Baby Blue’- Tree or shrub form available each with strikingly round, silver-grey foliage. Colour and lateral branching break-up solid colours and forms making this tree highly visual in the landscape.

Catalpa bignonioides - A large tree to 15m with a broad dome-shaped canopy and large, long-stalked leaves. Fascinating non-edible long seed pods that look like green beans develop and hang from the tree in late summer.

Speciality Trees advice is to be adventurous and not restricted to only what’s currently trending. Tired of Ornamental Pear, Evergreen Magnolia and landscape designs with minimal variety? There is no need to restrict the creative design when there are many trees to choose from.  Connection is individual and personal. What is most needed is a good understanding of what you are trying to achieve, keeping an open mind, and cultivating a keen eye for visual contrast.  Of course, not everything will grow where you may want it to, so the right advice from your supplier can assist you greatly.