So this past week I decided to pop down to my local. Shopping centre, that is, not pub. West Quay, Southampton at the moment have a gorgeous sensory garden on display in their esplanade. I decided to take my mum, dad, and Harvey along too and it’s fair to say we all enjoyed it – even dad, who doesn’t like garden centres, or anything of similarity.
The Sensory Garden is very immersive and is a delight for all the senses. There were floral archways to walk under and flower displays a plenty, an “overgrown treehouse” which I’m sure had an elderflower mist? I may be wrong there though, as putting my finger to scents is usually completely off!
Over-sized and brightly coloured decorations are everywhere you look in the garden, including a giant birdcage (pictured below), toadstools, flower benches and beds (literally!) all perfect for those selfie moments and ‘the gram’.
Younger visitors can enjoy a visit to the fairy garden, complete with small teepee tents and edible bubbles. I tried some myself and I need to know where to get some. Strawberry flavoured bubbles are definitely much more fun than washing up liquid ones! On the other hand, for those who aren’t all that interested in flowers, there’s a gin bar called”Jim and Tonic” which I didn’t get to explore but looked good nonetheless and a tea garden where you can indulge in cream tea, and I think I saw scones on the menu.
West Quay have also provided a programme of activities, ranging from making flower crowns to face painting for little ones. You can find the timetable here. The sensory garden is open from 11.30am daily, to 7.30pm Sunday – Thursday, and to 9pm Fridays and Saturdays and is free to enter.
If you do want to visit you’ll have to be quick, the sensory garden pop up is only open until the 11th of August!
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