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There are spaces that just make you feel calmer, and a sensory garden is exactly that. It’s a different take on garden life: instead of using the outdoors, you bring those calming elements into a shed. With a few thoughtful touches, you can tailor yours into a retreat that kids and adults alike can enjoy.
Creating a Safe Garden Play Space for ADHD
Take a break from overstimulation with sounds, colours, and textures. This idea can be especially helpful* for kids (and adults) with ADHD. You’re essentially creating your own therapeutic space for emotional regulation and focus in your garden.
(*Many organisations in the UK have opened sensory spaces in schools, universities, and communities. They offer a calm sanctuary for students and anyone needing a safe space to rest. One example is the creation of a pioneering sensory room at Kingston University’s Penrhyn Road campus.)
A spot away from the street or busy areas, preferably shaded, and easy to access, is where the structure will be. It doesn’t matter if you’re using an existing structure – just be sure the inside works for what you need. This guide can help if it needs a bit of refresh before decorating the interior:
You can then start bringing in items that engage the senses, but don’t scatter them around. You’ll want the process to feel like you’re furnishing a garden room, but with more mindful pieces.
For instance, textured cushions on a sofa or bench to activate tactile stimulation. Soft rugs or mats can also add texture to the floor while keeping your stay cosy. A low table, like a coffee table, can hold a sand or water tray, so it’s easy to play or explore textures. Wall panels, fabrics, or curtains can add tactile textures and some privacy.
And, of course, something fun to have, like:
- Chimes to hang on the windows or door
- A basket of fidget spinners, cubes, or rings
- Stress balls (perfect to have in your garden office, too)
- Scent jars or pouches with herbs like lavender, rosemary, and mint
- Magnetic boards or tiles to move and play with if you want to go all out
- Bead mazes or threading boards (a must-have in man caves or bar sheds)
- Small toys or tactile kits for kids, like soft animal figures, textured balls, or playdough
When it comes to paint colours, go for muted, calming tones such as soft blues, warm greys, or creamy neutrals. For more ideas:
Overall, keep your sensory shed flexible and minimal as much as possible. Rotate toys or sensory items based on what you or your child enjoys most.
Garden Sensory Room Ideas for Adults
You don’t always have to go the playful approach, so here are more ideas to consider:
Sensory shed for switching off
No pressure to “do” anything in here. It’s the place you head to when you need to reset. Some days it might be meditation, other days it might just be sitting with a cup of tea and doing nothing at all.
Floor cushions or a mat are a great alternative to a usual sofa for seating—you can sit, stretch, or lie down, even. Treat your ears with gentle background noise from a small water feature or tabletop fountain. But if you do, place a tray or mat underneath to protect the floorboards.
Smell also plays a part. A pot of herbs, some dried lavender, or a candle can make the sensory shed calming when you step in.
For now, there are soft textures, the sound of flowing water, and familiar scents. Here are a few more ways to make your sensory/meditation shed even better:
Zen Garden Ideas for Home Meditation
Craft garden room for hands-on hobbies
The perfect excuse to turn your shed into a space for your creative mind!
A smooth workbench, paired with a mat under your hands, is enough to make painting, drawing, or putting models together feel nicer. A variety of tools, like brushes, pens, and other small pieces, can also keep your hands engaged while you work.
Take advantage of the natural light during the day. For evenings or overcast days, get yourself a handy a warm lamp, like this LED desk lamp. Set up the space little by little, and if you’re ready to make it a full workshop, you can get more inspiration here:
Give Your Hobby a Home with a Garden Workshop
Potting shed vibes sensory garden room
Experienced and budding green thumbs, this one is for you—a way to keep your mind busy at your own pace.
Touch, small, and sight all come into play with plants – making the space more inviting is a bonus. Keep it simple with herbs, ferns, or trailing plants on shelves or in hanging pots. A small plant wall or window boxes can also add colour and texture at eye level.
As for hands-on activities to activate your senses, you can:
- Pot and repot plants – Feeling soil, seeds, and roots adds grounding sensory input.
- Prune or trim herbs and small plants – Enjoy the sound of snipping and the fresh smell of cut herbs.
- Harvesting small herbs or edible plants – A rewarding experience of taste, smell, and touch.
- Create plant displays – Arranging plants, pebbles, or small ornaments stimulates creativity.
Complete the simple layout with a chair tucked among the plants (if space allows) – this is where you’ll sit, read, journal, or sip a cup of tea after tending your small green collection.
What Features Do You Need for Your Sensory Shed?
Before we get straight into it, you might be thinking about a playhouse for kids, rather than a shed. Sure, it’s workable, but only while they’re little. If they’re going to continue needing support long-term, a shed or garden room is the way to go. You get more space to move around and room for different sensory activities.
Now that you have the garden room for this, good insulation is important. We talked about the steps and options for shed insulation to help you get started.
Shed ventilation is as crucial. However, if your current one doesn’t have built-in windows, you may need to add a few or opt for vents on the walls or roof. Learn more:
Skylights are optional, but if you can find a model that has this feature – such as our BillyOh Centro – consider it for that natural light. For design flexibility, we recommend a modular shed. Provided in a wooden shed kit, this design lets you decide where the walls go, where the door opens, and where the windows sit.
Upgrading to thicker floorboards gives you a solid footing while you work or move around. Not all retail stores offer this, but you can get it with Garden Buildings Direct.
Round-up
A sensory shed can be small or big, it doesn’t matter. Kids can have a quiet corner to focus or play, and adults can use it for hobbies, reading, or a bit of switching off.
You don’t need to plan everything perfectly. Start with a couple of things first and see what works. Make the shed your space. Use it for whatever helps you feel calm, creative, or comfortable, and let it grow over time. You can always add more later, so you don’t feel overwhelmed.
We hope these ideas can give you a good starting point. Good luck!
