The Sensory Garden

The sensory garden is located past the rare and endangered plant section on the right of the main path. It is surrounded by a hedge of camellias and contains an abundance of plants that tickle the senses of perfume and taste. Set in the main lawn is a garden with hundreds of roses, and a pergola with climbing roses and vines. The lady's slipper vine blooms most of the year and its pendulous flower clusters are a wonderful display in the pergola.

Herbs are grown in raised beds for easy viewing. Many are familiar to cooks - several members of the sage family, thyme, rosemary, sorrel and a bay tree. Others not so familiar are used in some medicines, or as insect repellents but visitors are warned not to sample any herbs as many are poisonous or cause allergic reactions.

Popular with children in particular are the carnivorous plants: sundews and pitcher plants for the most part. Insects are trapped by these plants which use the nutrients from insect bodies for growth.

A display of Australian grasses has been planted in the northeast corner adjacent to the rainforest.

The rose garden features the spectacular blooms of "old-fashioned" varieties rich in perfume.