Sensory Garden of Reflection

About the Garden

 

Situated within a short walk of Fareham town shopping centre, this award winning Sensory Garden was opened in 1998 in memory of the late Princess Diana.  Based on the senses of touch, sound, vision, smell and taste this green oasis in an urban setting is packed with rare, unusual and exotic plants from all over the world.  The garden has become very popular since its opening and is now regularly used for a range of parks events.

As you enter through the unusual archway you come into a formal courtyard with its Chusan Palms and colourful bedding displays. 

The Central Courtyard

On entering the beautiful archway you come into the formal courtyard with its Trachycarpus Palms.  The central bed is the feature of seasonal display and in the summer is filled with subtropical planting.

Paths then fork in all directions and lead you to quiet contrasting areas all of which are based on sensory planting.  There are hot sunny borders with bulbs, herbs and shrubs from the Mediterranean and South Africa in contrast to the shady, North facing beds with species from China and New Zealand.

 

The Hot Beds

South facing, hot borders are full of sun loving and tender plants from the Mediterranean and New Zealand which provide for a dazzling display during the summer months with bright colours and pungent foliage.  Plants to look out for include Moroccan Broom, Astelia, Melianthus and the huge grass – Arundo Donax.

A botanical feast for the amateur and visitors alike, you will be amazed by the many unusual and wonderful plants from flourishing Chinese fan Palms to Pineapple scented Moroccan Cytissus and a host of herbs to tantalise the senses.

 

Winter and Summer Borders

Providing interest throughout the winter months the borders have many unusual and beautiful species such as scented Witch Hazels, Mahonias and the fascinating Pseudopanax Ferox from New Zealand. 

In the summer the Black Bamboos and coloured grasses sway in the breeze and hardy Japanese Bananas produce their leathery leaves.

 

Sub-tropical Planting

The exotic theme can be seen throughout the garden with plants chosen from all over the world, to create a feeling of luxuriance and warmth you would normally find in warmer climates.  There are many Palms, Bamboos and exotic foliage plants which provide interest all year round.

 

A Guide to the Garden

 

A new guide, Sensory Garden - A discovery of the senses, has been published to promote the garden and includes a self guided walk where you can follow the route of twenty four specific plants chosen for their sensory qualities.  An audio version is available on request. Group visits and short ‘walk and talk’ guided visits can be arranged by contacting the Horticultural development Officer. 

Download the Sensory Garden leaflet (1281Kb) showing plants of interest in the sensory garden of reflection. Copies can also be obtained from the Tourist Information Office.

 

Events in the Garden

Within Fareham there are many events and activities that take place throughout the year some of which take place at the Sensory garden. Fareham’s Events Programme (15.1Mb)  is varied and endeavours to attract a wide section of the community as possible.

 

Sensory Garden of Reflection Management Plan

The five year management plan covering the period 2008-2012 is now complete and is available (see link below). It has a detailed work programme which sets out the tasks required to achieve the objectives for the next five years.

Download the full management plan for the Sensory garden of reflection (2950Kb) .

 

Fareham In Bloom Co-ordinators

 

Fareham in Bloom co-ordinators work in partnership with Fareham Council undertake a wide range of activities to enhance the local environment which include regular activities and events within the garden, updates the notice boards and meets on site bi-monthly to undertake practical works to compliment that of the grounds maintenance team

 

How to get to the Sensory Garden of Reflection

 

On Foot

The garden is only a short walk from the centre of the town centre

Leaving the Tourist Information Centre, which is located in Westbury Manor Museum, (where a leaflet can be obtained) turn left onto West Street. Continue walking until you come to the junction with Osborn Road South and Kings Road. At this junction turn right into Osborn Road South and walk about 200m and you will reach the entrance of the garden on the left.

By Bus

Take a bus to Fareham's central bus station. Once at the bus station, enter Hartlands Road and turn right and walk towards Westbury Manor Museum (on the right). When joining West Street turn left and walk until you come to the junction with Osborn Road South and Kings Road. At this junction turn right into Osborn Road South and walk about 200m and you will reach the entrance of the garden on the left.

By Car

Easy access off Junction 11 (Fareham Central) of the M27. Follow signs to Fareham Town Centre to the Delme Roundabout, take the fourth exit (Wallington Way) and take a left at the Wickham Road Roundabout onto High Street. The Sensory Garden can be found be found on Osborn Road between Osborn Road South and Trinity Street.

If using the A27 from Portsmouth, join the Delme Roundabout and follow instructions above. When coming from Southampton on the A27, take the West Street exist off the Fareham Station roundabout, left into Trinity Street and veer right into Osborn Road.

Map of how to get to the Sensory Garden (490Kb)

 

Facilities in and adjacent to the Garden

 

Recently refurbished toilets can be found a short walk away from the garden. They are located in Trinity Street.

A large 'Pay and Display'  car park is located opposite the garden entrance which provides easy access to the garden. Numerous benches are provided within the garden which provides ample opportunities to sit and enjoy the garden.

Litter bins are strategically placed at various location beside paths and are emptied on a regular basis by the Council's Grounds Maintenance Team

A large notice board is present within the garden to provide information about the garden and also advise park users about forthcoming events.

 

Achievements

The Sensory Garden of Reflection has been successful in achieving a Gold medal in the South and South East in Bloom competition during 2010. The garden was also 'Overall Winner' in the best small park category with another successive Gold Medal.

The garden was also judged as part of the Fareham's overall entry into South and South East in Bloom, where we obtained another Gold Medal and the accolade of 'Overall Wiinner' in the large town and small city category for 2010.

The Sensory Garden of Reflection was successful in achieving the prestigious Green Flag Award for the first time in 2010. The Green Flag Award is the national standard for parks and green spaces in England and Wales, and recognises and rewards the best green spaces in the country.

 

Useful information

Problems?

If you know of any faults, such as damaged signs, fences, fly tipping, excessive litter or obstructions on footpaths you can let us know by using the online form for reporting problems with parks and open spaces or by emailing customerservices@fareham.gov.uk.

Contact details

For further information about this garden or Fareham in Bloom please contact the Horticultural Development Officer  in the Department of Community and Street Scene, Streetscene Division on Tel: 01329 236100 or e-mail customerservices@fareham.gov.uk

Links to useful websites

• Fareham in Bloom
• South and South East in Bloom (This is an external hyperlink)
• Green Flag (This is an external hyperlink)
• Royal Horticultural Society (This is an external hyperlink)