Garden of the Five Senses is separated into several little gardens, organized by how the collection of plantlife can interest each sense of the human body. Some gardens please the senses of Smell and Sight, while others provide plants with interesting texture for Touch. A butterfly garden provides a place for butterflies and hummingbirds to live, eat and play.
All the plants incorporated into Garden of the Five Senses are native to Florida.
(P) Parking
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Parking spaces line along the outer edge of the park, some of them paved and others are grass. Recommended parking will give visitors a direct view of the sculpture Brother Reading.
(1) Brother Reading
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A sculpture of a boy reading a book, called Brother Reading Book, sits farther off towards the Butterfly Garden. The rock he's chosen to read his book is rather large so visitors who believe he's got the right idea are able to sit beside him and read their own books.
Visitors should take a moment to peak behind his shoulder to see what he's reading.
(2) Butterfly Garden
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Native Florida butterfly gardens require plants that feed adult butterflies, plants that provide a place for butterflies to lay eggs and feed caterpillars, and plants that will provide adequate shelter and protection for butterflies. Butterflies also need water sources from soil or sand. This Butterfly Garden incorporates all the butterfly necessities to allow a flourishing habitat and an absolute treat for visitors to experience.
(3) Tactile Garden
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Unique textures and shapes are beneficial to the Florida landscape and provide a necessary dynamic in nature for insects, animals and people. If the honey bees aren't working, visitors should take a moment to explore their plants with a gentle touch.
(4) Wildflower Garden
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A setting known and often overlooked by travelers and hikers alike, this garden highlights the natural beauty the be found in Florida's native wildflowers.
(5) Zen Garden
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Creating the tranquility of traditional Japenese Gardens, this Zen Garden incorporates the elements of air, earth, and water to soothe the body and spirit and visitors.
(6) Essence Garden
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Delightful fragrances of native Florida plants entice to sense of smell for visitors. Such sweet smells attract people, insects and birds, giving visitors a great opportunity to experience more of nature. Take note of the various flowers used as they are detailed on the information tablet and take time to stop and smell the flowers.
(7) Jean Bruhn Memorial
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A dedication plaque to Jean Bruhn (1933-2002), one of the area's greatest volunteers, is located central to the park to let visitors know the history of the park and Mrs. Bruhn's crucial role in its development.
(8) Human Sundial
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A sundial designed in stone is displayed in the center of the park. Directions nearby instruct visitors on how to use their own body to tell time using this sundial.
(9) Succulent Garden
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Succulents are plants that retain water for longer periods of time than other plants, which allows them to thrive in very hot and dry conditions. This natural ability to withstand harsh weather and conserve nurtrients lets Florida's nature take advantage of an enduring beauty on its pastoral landscapes.
(10) Oasis Garden
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The plants in this garden stay strong and vibrant in the shade of Oak Hammocks. Visitors are given a moment to rest from their walk in this oasis, which has provided benches and tables. While benches and tables aren't likely to be found in the middle of the Everglades wilderness, one can expect the same flora beauty from shaded, cool areas.
(11) Fern Garden
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Ferns are carefree perennials for shady sites. Despite the delicate appearance they are amongst the most durable and trouble free plants.
(12) Painter's Pallet
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Using the flowers and plants found on the Florida landscape, this gorgeous garden incorporates the colours of the rainbow into a pleasing pallet for the eyes to enjoy. Some of the plants are beautiful and useful. The ones that double in the butterfly garden naturally draw the butterflies over to this garden, creating an additional treat for the sight.
(13) Ornamental Grasses
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Florida has a large number of different grasses that provide a variety of interesting ground cover. Visitors can enjoy the variance in grasses not only on a single visit but as these plants change with the seasons.
(G) Geocaching Bonus:
Sixth Sense (GC1J0FF) (
visit link)
Complete the tour and then search for this geocache. Don't forget to sign the log sheet and log your find on the geocaching website.
(P) Parking
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Follow the path to the recommended parking area. Vehicles should be in view from the Geocaching bonus location. If the bonus is not sought, visitors will return to the recommended parking by following stops 5, 3, and 1.