Every day we make a connection to plants – through the food we eat, the clothes we wear, the things we see. The Garden of the Five Senses is the place for all to explore nature and make these discoveries.
Digging In
(Sense of touch is primary focus)
- Thematic focus is soils / organisms that live in the soil
- Texture is important for some children with ASD. The Digging In area includes multiple plants and surfaces (rock walls, soil digging area) that provide tactile stimulation.
- Other features include misting stones, and metal sculptures of woodland creatures.
Eye Spy
(Visual sense is the primary focus)
- The kaleidoscope will engage and delight with its changing and challenging ways to see plants.
- Nature art station and rock painting will add color and activities to this area. Along with visually appealing colorful plants of various shapes/sizes (annuals and perennials), including planters of different colors along the pathway.
- Children with ASD are often hypo-sensitive to visual stimulation, and react well to bright colors and sunlight, which can be found in the Eye Spy area.
Sniff and Savor
(Smell and taste are the primary focus)
- Visit the Pizza Garden and learn more about fragrant and edible plants.
- This interactive area also includes rain barrels and a compost bin.
- The olfactory systems of children with ASD can be hypersensitive, so it is important to isolate strong smells
Weisbrod Learning Pavilion
- This education pavilion in the Garden of Five Senses will serve multiple audiences, from casual visitors taking a break, to formal programs.
- It includes an accessible rest room, storage units, and sinks for programs that involve manipulating soils and plants.
- The Weisbrod Pavilion can be used as a space to retreat to, or to take a break from, the sensory environment in the garden. This is important to individuals who are hyper-sensitive to a particular sense (i.e., tactile, auditory or olfactory).
Soothing Sounds
(Hearing is the primary focus)
- Come play the marimba, or the flower drum and create your own music.
- Sit and listen to nature’s symphony of birds, insects and leaves.
Thank You to our Donors
The Garden of the Five Senses is a vision of the Pittsburgh Botanic Garden board of directors and staff. Together, along with vital philanthropic support from a variety of individuals, corporations and foundations, this new garden feature is a reality. The Garden of the Five Senses enhances the visitor experience and increases the opportunities for guests to connect to nature through their senses and to their fullest abilities.
Pittsburgh Botanic Garden is grateful for these donors who contributed toward the design and construction of this $1.7 million garden feature.
Allegheny Regional Asset District
Anonymous
Jack Buncher Foundation
Calgon Carbon Corporation
Colcom Foundation
Edith L. Trees Charitable Trust
Fox Chapel Garden Club
Garden Club of America
Garden Club of Allegheny County
Susan and Richard Herchenroether
Massey Charitable Trust
Howard and Nell E. Miller Foundation
Silvia and Alex Speyer
Robert and Mary Weisbrod Foundation
Western Pennsylvania Unit, Herb Society of America
Nancy and Richard Zappala
If you would like to contribute in support of the Garden of the Five Senses, including a bench in tribute to someone, contact the Development Department at 412-444-4464, ext. 223.
