Sensory Garden Memphis Botanic Garden

The Memphis Botanic Garden strives to enhance lives by connecting people with nature, increasing awareness and appreciation of the environment. The 96 acre property includes twenty-eight specialty gardens which offer an in-depth look into various families of plants, flowers and trees.

The 1989 Founders Fund Award was given to establish a new garden enabling people with special needs to enjoy the Garden experience with ease. Designed by Tom Pellet, the Little Garden Club Sensory Garden created a convenient parking area, wide paved paths, raised beds for wheelchairs and large letter signs. Planned elements of the garden included an emphasis on fragrant and tactile plants, a water feature with fountains and a kinetic sculpture that reflected light and sound. This area became one of the Garden’s most visited signature areas.

This space celebrated 25 years with major renovations in 2014, maintaining the original design but creating a new, more formalized look. The planting was simplified and the area still addresses all the senses, offering something unique every season. These new elements will create interest as visitors enter this garden and improve functionality and ambience for receptions, special events, and gatherings.