When I see a new plant, I don’t really feel that I’ve made its acquaintance until I rub a leaf between my fingers, or run a hand over the bark. It is possible to experience texture through your eyes, in a limited way, of course. And sometimes that’s the only safe or acceptable way to appreciate the gorgeous variety of form and surface in the plant world. If everyone went through the  Garden touching and pinching every plant, we’d probably end up with a pretty tattered-looking mess come summer’s end. A few plants are even a little risky to handle, with sharp grassy leaves, fierce thorns or extremely sticky sap.

There are a couple of spots in the Garden, though, where guests are welcome to fondle the plants! The sensory bed in the Elizabeth and Nona Evans Restorative Garden offers a wealth of "please touch" plants for those seeking that extra dimension to their experience here. Along with the many beautiful, fragrant and tasty plants are some specially selected to communicate with your fingertips:

 What could be more inviting than a plant named "Furbee"? This cultivar of Silver Sage (Salvia argentea ‘Furbee’) is everything the name promises, and more.

 Blue borage (Borago officinalis) reminds us in a bristly, but not unpleasant way, that plants aren’t all snuggles and cuddles. Like many prickly plants, its texture provides a defense against random munching by herbivorous animals.

 Another notable texture in the plant world is provided by Purslane’s (Portulaca oleracea) soft and rubbery leaves.

There are lots of other "approachable" plants in this garden offering more variations on the theme. Come and experience plants to the fullest in this "touchy-feely" part of the Garden.

We have at least five senses – and we garden for all of them! The Elizabeth and Nona Evans Restorative Garden is the perfect place to explore that idea, and this summer there are sensory treats of all kinds to be found within its tranquil spaces. I think most people expect to enjoy gardens with their eyes. The Restorative Garden was designed from the start to please all the senses.  This is the first of several posts discussing the way that gardener Robin Johansen enhances this garden with a wealth of enticing plantings to smell, touch, taste and admire.