FEBRUARY 2023
THE VANCOUVER WATERFRONT- VANCOUVER, WA
It is easy to become enchanted by a landscape setting that borders a majestic river. This is a perfect place to engage your biophilic instinct and connect with nature. Using the method of 'Sensory Plant Therapy', we will wake-up your connection to the natural world by stimulating each of the 5 Senses.
    THE 5 SENSES ARE:
    SIGHT: (VISUAL)
    SOUND: (AUDITORY)
    SMELL: (OLFACTORY)
    TOUCH: (TACTILE)
    TASTE: (GUSTATORY)
Select fascinating plants and begin by exploring their characteristics. Focus on what is present and one by one, identify how each plant intrigues your senses. Below are some ideas to help you get started!
SIGHT- Start by noticing something small. Many groundcovers and native shrubs produce berries in bright blue, yellow, red and purple. David's Viburnum produces a tiny bright blue pearl-like berry that is hard to miss unless the birds were hungry
HEARING- Have you ever closed your eyes to listen to a river flowing or a fountain bubbling? Do you feel calmer afterwards? This is an example of relaxing into ourselves and allowing the senses to guide us.
SMELL- Many people adore the smell of Lavender and Rosemary. While taking a neighborhood walk, I will take a sprig of Rosemary to smell. Rolling the foliage between the fingers releases the natural oils. Rosemary has a particular scent that is know to clear the mind and your sinuses. Next time, try smelling some Lavender.
TOUCH- Touching bark, foliage, and seed pods is a really fun way to add a new element to your sensory practice.Tree bark can be surprisingly smooth or rough depending on the genus/species. Carefully run your hands through fountain grasses (the kind with puffy tops). This can be a rather calming experience; try it out for yourself.Â
TASTE- Tasting fresh fruits and vegetables is delicious. Common plants like Pansies are edible and add color to a mixed salad. Sage leaves can be steeped in hot water to make tea for soothing bad coughs. But for our purposes we will focus on the first 4 senses.**Please only taste plants if you know what it is and follow your doctor's orders to avoid allergic responses.
PLAN YOUR VISIT
Extra wide pathways offer plenty of space for all visitors including: pedestrians, strollers, cyclists, wheelchairs, & scooters. I hope you choose to add the idea of Biophilia to your lifestyle through these 'Sensory Plant Therapy' examples. In time this connection with our natural world will help you to build up resilience and offer a form of respite when you need it most.
Address: The Vancouver Waterfront, 695 Waterfront Way, Vancouver, WA 98660
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STONYBROOK STORIES is written by (myself) Emily Purdin, owner of Stonybrook Landscape Design.Â
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