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Designed for People Affected by Smell and Taste Disorders

The Making Sense Garden is an outdoor space which has been specifically designed for people with smell and taste disorders in mind, offering a serene space for those with conditions like anosmia or hypoxia to explore and enjoy. With an emphasis on enhancing the sense of sight, sound and touch, the garden showcased at 2024 RHS Hampton Court Garden Festival.

Collaboration and Design

The innovative garden is a result of a collaboration between our charity partner Fifth Sense, and renowned garden designers Flora Scouarnec and Victoria Pease-Cox. The garden aims to raise awareness of the crucial role that smell plays in our connection to gardens and outdoor environments.

The garden features two distinct levels, each lushly planted. Multi-stemmed trees with textured bark anchor two corners, providing a tactile experience. A gently winding path with steps descends to a sunken seating area, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the surrounding flora.

A wall-mounted water feature creates a soothing splash, adding an auditory dimension to the garden. The harmonious colour palette shifts subtly between levels, combining cool tones with vibrant accents, enhancing the visual appeal.

A Sensory Garden with a Purpose

Duncan Boak, Fifth Sense CEO and founder, shared his enthusiasm for the project: “We are thrilled to be involved in this project and have the chance to raise awareness of smell and taste disorders with a new audience in such an engaging way. This represents a wonderful opportunity for our charity, and I’m grateful to Flora and Victoria for reaching out to Fifth Sense and asking us to be involved. We can’t wait to see the completed garden and welcome visitor

Triumphant at RHS Hampton Court

The Making Sense Garden was honored with a prestigious silver medal and also won the RHS People’s Choice Award for the best garden in the Get Started category, an accolade determined by the members of the public.

You can find out more about the garden here.

JULY 2024