A GARDEN dedicated not only to the visual beauty that nature has to offer but also its smells and textures has been created in Lochwinnoch.

Based at the RSPB nature reserve, in Largs Road, the new sensory garden combines textured plants with scented florals.

It was started during the summer by learning officer Nikki Bayliss, who wanted to highlight how easy it is to enjoy nature in more ways than one.

As well as creating a place where families and groups can appreciate a varied selection of plants, Nikki wanted to show how only a small patch of garden is needed to enhance wildlife and make a real difference.

She said: “Alongside the sensory garden, which was developed with the help of the Dobbies garden centre at Braehead, we have created a tiny wildlife space to highlight how easy it is to help different species thrive.

“The sensory garden is filled with scented florals such as lavender and echinacea, as well as textured leaves and plants which are good for wildlife.

“We have planted the bulbs in rolling succession, so there should always be something to see throughout the whole year.”