Fragrance and Sensory Garden
Overview
The Fragrance and Sensory Garden is located at the western portion of the Rudolf W. van der Goot Rose Garden. Designed to be of special interest to visitors who are visually or physically impaired, the garden demonstrates how plants can appeal to all of the senses.
The Somerset County Park Commission developed the garden in 1981 with generous assistance from the Franklin Lion’s Club. The sunken garden is surrounded by a stone wall and raised beds, enabling visitors to easily reach out and touch the plants. The stone capping at the top of the wall will guide the visually impaired. Many of the herbs are identified with printed labels as well as Braille.
Popular with adults and children alike for its interactive nature, visitors are invited to touch and smell the herbs. Culinary and fragrant herbs including basils, mints and geraniums are displayed within reach. The fragrances of lavender, daphne and sweet autumn clematis perfume the air. Textured plants such as the rubbery sedum, spiky blue fescue and downy lamb’s ear delight the sense of touch. Behind the herbs is a backdrop of annuals and perennials that provide color throughout the season.
The Fragrance Sensory Garden is part of a more extensive Arboretum, which includes the Ornamental Grass Collection, the Perennial Garden, the Rudolf W. van der Goot Rose Garden, and the Shrub Collection.
Guided tours of the garden can be arranged for a small fee.
PERIODS OF ORNAMENTAL INTEREST
Contact
LOCATION:
Colonial Park (Lot A)
156 Mettlers Road
Somerset, NJ 08873
HOURS:
(April - October)
Monday: 8am – 6pm
Tuesday: 8am – 6pm
Wednesdays: 12pm – 6pm
Thursdays: 8am - 6pm (May 18 to July 27): 8am to 8pm
Friday: 8am – 6pm
Saturdays, Sundays, and Holidays: 10am – 6pm
ADMISSION:
Suggested donation of $6 per adult and $3 per senior or child
FOR INFORMATION CONTACT:
Somerset County Park Commission
Horticulture Department
Colonial Park Gardens
156 Mettlers Road
Somerset, NJ 08873
Tel: 908 722-1200 ext. 5721
Fax: 732 873-3896
TTY: Use the NJ Relay Service @711 (for individuals with hearing/speech impairments)
E-mail the Colonial Park Gardens with any questions or comments