RESTORATIVE: Open to all, the SHUPP Sensory Garden, under construction behind the Princeton YMCA and YWCA, is designed to provide visitors with a calming atmosphere while stimulating the senses.

By Anne Levin

The community garden within the grounds of the Princeton YMCA and YWCA is about to be joined by a second enclosure. Like its predecessor, the Send Hunger Packing Princeton (SHUPP) Sensory Garden will be welcoming to all. But while the original garden invites people to pick any produce and herbs that they need, this one has a different purpose.

The area is described in a release from SHUPP as “a restorative community garden designed to be accessible, inclusive, and safe.”

Ross Wishnick, the founder of the nonprofit, elaborated. “I was in Seattle, visiting my son, and I went to see the sensory garden there. I was impressed by the way it appeals to the five senses,” he said. “It was my thought that it would be nice to have one here in Princeton — a little bit of ‘feel good.’ Then, as I was talking to other people about it, I realized that this kind of garden is good for people who are on the spectrum. It’s calming. So we get a twofer — a nice, comfortable place for everyone, but more than that.”

Currently under development and sponsored by the Friends of the SHUPP Sensory Garden, the enclosure will have scented flowers, plants, and herbs. The entrance is designed to be through a small pergola. Wishnick wants it to be “whimsical and fun,” he said. Wooden faces screwed onto the trees, low-tone wind chimes, and pinwheels are also being considered. Features are to include sitting areas, gliding chairs, and a bench. Small groups can be accommodated in the area, which will be open and sunny.

“Plant collections include native and nonnative plants arranged to provide a sensory-rich and immersive experience,” reads the SHUPP release. “The garden includes edible plants and herbs as well as other sensory-stimulating plants, and plants that support bird and butterfly pollinators, which are important for protection of our food supply.”

Founded a decade ago, SHUPP provides food to children in the public school system, stocks local pantries, and runs more than 10 community gardens throughout Princeton. The organization also teaches people how to grow their own food and runs a free farmers market at the YMCA and YWCA.

Construction on the sensory garden is underway. But the real work will begin on August 28 and 29, when Princeton University sends some 40 entering freshmen to assist with the project. The students will help install 3-inch-in-diameter logs that will stand vertically along the pathway. They will also put in soil and help clean up SHUPP’s other garden at the site.

All of this requires financial support. While the Bank of Princeton, of which Wishnick is a vice chairman, has provided some assistance, more is needed. “It’s not a ton of money. But we’ve got to buy plants, signs, the pergola, and that kind of thing,” he said. To help, email info@shupprinceton.org.

“The garden welcomes and supports people of all ages and abilities,” reads the SHUPP release. “It encourages the community to come together to celebrate our shared humanity.”