The Five Senses of Landscaping: Designing for More Than Just Sight in Oviedo

Oviedo residents are increasingly looking beyond visual aesthetics when planning their outdoor spaces, embracing a holistic approach to landscaping that engages all five senses. Local gardeners and landscape designers are noting a growing trend towards creating environments that offer more than just curb appeal, focusing on scent, sound, touch, and even taste.

"It's about crafting an experience, not just a pretty picture," explains Sarah Jenkins, owner of Green Oasis Landscaping, a local Oviedo business. "People want to step into their yard and feel a sense of calm, hear the rustle of leaves, smell fragrant blossoms, and maybe even pick a fresh herb for dinner."

For the sense of smell, popular choices include fragrant plants like jasmine, gardenias, and various herbs such as rosemary and lavender, which thrive in Oviedo's climate. These are often strategically placed near patios or windows to maximize their aromatic impact.

Engaging sound involves incorporating elements that create soothing natural noises. Wind chimes, water features like small fountains or bird baths, and even specific plant choices that rustle pleasantly in the breeze, such as bamboo or ornamental grasses, are becoming common additions. "The gentle trickle of water can really transform a space," notes Mark Peterson, a resident near Oviedo on the Park who recently installed a small pond feature.

The sense of touch is addressed through varied textures in planting and hardscaping. Soft, feathery grasses, smooth river stones, rough bark, and even inviting outdoor furniture made from different materials encourage interaction with the environment. Children's gardens, in particular, often feature plants with interesting textures for exploration.

Perhaps the most practical, the sense of taste is being integrated through edible landscaping. Fruit trees like citrus and fig, berry bushes, and dedicated herb and vegetable gardens are not only functional but also add beauty and a connection to nature. "My family loves being able to walk outside and grab fresh basil or a lemon for our meals," says Emily Rodriguez, a homeowner in the Aloma Woods neighborhood.

Even sight, while traditionally dominant, is being re-evaluated to include dynamic elements like plants that change color seasonally, attract local wildlife like butterflies and hummingbirds, or offer interesting architectural forms. The goal is a landscape that evolves and offers continuous visual interest throughout the year.

Local nurseries and garden centers, such as Oviedo Garden Center on Broadway Street in historic downtown Oviedo, report an increase in inquiries for these multi-sensory plants and features. They are also offering workshops on designing sensory gardens, catering to the community's growing interest in creating more immersive and enjoyable outdoor living spaces.

As Oviedo continues to grow from its small-town roots in Seminole County, residents are clearly seeking ways to make their homes and yards not just beautiful, but truly enriching experiences for all the senses.