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Sensory Gardens

Meaningful outdoor spaces designed with purpose

At AJT Landscaping, we design and build bespoke sensory gardens that provide calming, engaging and inclusive outdoor environments.

Based in Ash, Surrey, we work with private clients, schools, charities and community organisations across Hampshire, Berkshire and Surrey, creating thoughtful spaces that support wellbeing, learning and connection.

With over 14 years’ experience in garden landscaping and play-focused design, we are deeply passionate about creating sensory gardens that make a genuine difference for children, young people and adults.

What is a sensory garden?

A sensory garden is a thoughtfully designed outdoor space created to stimulate the senses – sight, sound, touch, smell and sometimes taste. These gardens encourage interaction with the natural environment while supporting wellbeing, learning and relaxation. They are often designed to:

Support learning and development

Promote calm and emotional regulation

Encourage exploration and interaction

Provide inclusive access for people of all abilities

Sensory gardens can be playful or peaceful, structured or natural, depending on who will use the space. They are commonly created for schools, nurseries, specialist education settings, community spaces and private gardens, providing safe and engaging outdoor environments for a wide range of users.

Our approach to sensory garden design

Every sensory garden we create is completely bespoke. We begin with a detailed conversation to understand who the space is for, how it will be used and which sensory elements are most important. Our process includes:

A free garden design consultation

Thoughtful layout planning and zoning

Optional fully rendered 3D visuals to help visualise the final space

Careful material selection to support sensory engagement

We design with empathy, creativity and purpose, ensuring the space feels welcoming, accessible and meaningful.

Our approach to sensory garden design

Every sensory garden we create is completely bespoke. We begin with a detailed conversation to understand who the space is for, how it will be used and which sensory elements are most important. Our process includes:

A free garden design consultation

Thoughtful layout planning and zoning

Optional fully rendered 3D visuals to help visualise the final space

Careful material selection to support sensory engagement

We design with empathy, creativity and purpose, ensuring the space feels welcoming, accessible and meaningful.

Sensory garden features we create

Each sensory garden is unique, but features may include:
Textured pathways and surfaces
Raised beds for accessible planting
Calm seating areas and quiet zones
Fragrant and tactile plants
Subtle water or sound features where appropriate
Natural materials such as timber, stone and sleepers
All elements are chosen to suit the users, the environment and the intended sensory outcomes.

Sensory gardens for communities, schools & charities

We are proud to work with local communities, schools and charities to create outdoor spaces that provide meaningful, long-term benefits for the people who use them.

Our work spans a range of community-focused projects, from sensory gardens designed to support children with additional needs, to shared growing spaces that bring people together.

We are currently supporting Challengers, a charity that works with disabled children, young people and their families. AJT Landscapes has been involved in helping shape plans for a sensory garden, creating a safe and engaging outdoor environment tailored to their needs.

Alongside this, we recently had the pleasure of working with The Green Hub at Farncombe Community Garden. This project involved building new raised beds and helping develop a space that will be used and enjoyed by the local community for years to come.

These projects reflect our ongoing commitment to using our skills to create positive, lasting impact within the communities we work in.

Private sensory gardens for homes

Sensory gardens are also becoming increasingly popular in private homes, offering peaceful retreats, stimulating play environments or calming outdoor spaces tailored to family needs.

Whether subtle or feature-led, we design sensory gardens that integrate beautifully with the wider garden.

Why choose AJT Landscaping for your sensory garden design?

Passionate about purpose-led design

We care deeply about the impact these spaces have on people’s lives.

Experienced & trusted team

Over 14 years of professional landscaping experience.

Community & charity focused

Proud supporters of local initiatives and organisations.

Local landscaping specialists

Based in Ash, serving Hampshire, Berkshire and Surrey.
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Martin Alexander
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We have been delighted with Alex and all the AJT team. Very pleased with the outcome and also the whole project which was smooth-running, competently managed with a great team of people. Well done guys
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Oliver Sussat
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AJT Landscaping is a class act! They are not only incredibly skilled at their work, but very personable. The fact that they were a trusted installer of the manufacturer’s product meant that we felt assured from the outset that we were going to get a good result. And we did. We couldn’t be happier with our new Millboard deck. Thank you, AJT.
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James Lovell-Butt
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Alex and his team took our garden from an overgrown mess when we bought the house to the best garden in the road! A truly magical outdoor space, the team was great from the off! Working with challenges, idea changes and producing my favourite part of the whole house I couldn’t recommend these guys more!
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Emma Stainsby
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Alex and his team did an excellent job on our patio refurbishment. They did what others told us was impossible with decking and it still looks stunning a few years later. The team were really friendly and professional. Alex is great at interpreting ideas and making them reality. Highly recommend!
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Dave White
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Alex, Jack & Dilon make a great team. Turned out to be a tricky job on a bespoke, Millboard deck. Excellent attitude, for over 4 hrs, to getting it right in 33c temperature. Many thanks to them.
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Steve Baker
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A truly superb customer experience. Alex kept me informed at every stage of the project, and his foreman, Aron, and team were an absolute pleasure to deal with onsite. They were utterly professional, polite and very accommodating throughout. No matter the challenge or ask, they delivered. We are extremely pleased with our new patio paving under the gazebo and could not recommend Alex and AJT highly enough. I will certainly be asking AJT for quotes for other landscaping work in the future. Thank you again team for a job well done.
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M V
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We recently had a Millboard decking project completed by AJT Landscaping, and we couldn’t be happier with the result. From the outset, Alex Tickner was professional, knowledgeable and helpful, and his team carried out the work to an exceptionally high standard. Their attention to detail and quality of workmanship were outstanding, and the finished deck looks stunning. The team were hardworking, courteous and a pleasure to have on site. They were always respectful, tidy and clearly took real pride in their work. We would have no hesitation in recommending AJT Landscaping to anyone looking for high-quality landscaping or Millboard decking projects. Thank you to Alex and the whole team for an outstanding job.
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Bruce Fleming
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It was a great pleasure to meet Alex and to engage his company to undertake a small patio project at our daughter's new development home. Jack, Max and colleagues did a wonderful job of removing a partially built patio of concrete pavers and laying a far more aesthetically pleasing replacement, finished in sandstone. Although small in scale compared to many of his projects, Alex always conveyed the sense that this project was as important as any other; fundamental to this are his exemplary communication and interpersonal skills, setting him apart from most of his peers in this industry, in our experience. We have no hesitation in recommending Alex and his team, who were polite, respectful and helpfully communicative throughout, They have contributed, in no small measure, to a vastly improved and happier outcome, which is greatly appreciated. Many thanks to Alex and his team at AJT Landscaping!
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Jennifer Tynan
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Excellent service from start to finish. Quick and efficient and attention to detail from the team on sight was excellent
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sally thorpe
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For many years I have wanted a patio where I can sit in the sun. Alex and his team have certainly delivered. I am more than pleased with the whole process. Now I am enjoying planting and looking after the rest of the garden. Highly recommended this company. My dream has come true.

More than just sensory gardens

Our sensory garden service often forms part of a wider landscaping project. Check out some of our other landscaping services.

Garden Design

Handcrafted Play Equipment

Soft Play Areas

Turf & Artificial Turf

Sensory gardens FAQs

What is a sensory garden?
A sensory garden is an outdoor space designed to stimulate the senses – sight, sound, touch, smell and sometimes taste. These gardens are carefully planned to encourage interaction, learning, calm and wellbeing for people of all ages and abilities.
Who are sensory gardens suitable for?
Sensory gardens can benefit a wide range of users, including children, young people, adults with additional needs, families, schools, charities and community groups. They are suitable for both private gardens and shared outdoor spaces.
Can sensory gardens be designed for specific needs?
Yes. Every sensory garden we create is fully bespoke. We design each space around the specific needs of the individuals or groups using it, considering accessibility, sensory preferences and how the space will be used.
What features can be included in a sensory garden?
Sensory gardens can include textured surfaces, raised planting beds, fragrant plants, natural materials, seating areas, interactive elements and calming features. Each element is chosen to support sensory engagement and comfort.
Do you offer a design service for sensory gardens?
Yes. We offer a free garden design consultation, and for larger or more detailed projects we can provide fully rendered 3D visuals to help you visualise the final sensory garden before work begins.
Do you create sensory gardens for schools and charities?
Yes. We regularly work with schools, charities and community organisations, delivering sensory gardens that support learning, wellbeing and inclusion. We are proud to have supported Disability Challengers by building a sensory garden for the children they support.
Can sensory gardens be installed in small or awkward spaces?
Yes. Sensory gardens can be designed to suit spaces of all sizes, including compact or challenging areas. Careful layout and thoughtful feature selection ensure the space remains functional and engaging.
How long does it take to create a sensory garden?
Timescales vary depending on the size and complexity of the project. After the consultation and design stage, we’ll provide a clear timeline so you know exactly what to expect.
Where do you offer sensory garden installation services?
AJT Landscaping is based in Ash and provides sensory garden design and installation across Hampshire, Berkshire and Surrey.
How do I get started with a sensory garden project?
Simply book a free, no-obligation consultation with Alex. We’ll discuss your goals, assess the space and start designing a sensory garden that creates a meaningful and lasting impact.

Book a free sensory garden consultation

If you’re considering a sensory garden for a school, community space, charity or private garden, we’d love to help.

Book a free, no-obligation consultation with Alex to discuss your ideas and explore how we can create a space that truly supports its users.

Contact AJT Landscaping today to start designing a meaningful sensory garden.