GARDEN FOR THE SENSES The presence of plants and the practice of botany hold therapeutic benefits for people of all ages and abilities.

That’s obvious to Joann Vieira, director of horticulture at Tower Hill Botanic Garden in Boylston, as she watches a steady year-round stream of visitors, tourists, members, and volunteers spend time among Tower Hill’s extensive gardens.

But for some people — a child in a wheelchair, a middle-aged person with arthritis, a senior with limited vision — gardening isn’t always so easy.

Tower Hill’s newest garden, The Court, is a welcoming change. Named in honor of benefactor Robert Courtemanche, the garden is designed to produce aesthetically pleasing spaces that are inherently accessible to all people.

“Once we dug into the details, we decided this garden needed to be for everyone, with or without disabilities,’’ Vieira said. “The plan we came up with sets a great example of universal design, so that whether you are able-bodied or are someone who wants to engage in a garden but has difficulty for any reason, you will be able to enjoy this space.’’

The Court opened last month, and visitors are already flocking to it.

“People are using their senses to explore this garden,’’ Vieira said. “They’re drawn to the lily pond with its bronze lily pads and bronze tadpoles. We have what we call a living wall, which is a vertical garden that has a lot of edible plants like lettuce, peppers, tomatoes, and parsley. And we have a display of specially adapted ergonomic garden tools.’’

Another focus of the garden’s design is its tactile appeal. “We used many plants that people love to touch,’’ Vieira said. “We included interesting textures and lovely aromas. It’s really a sensory garden.’’

Admission to The Court is included in the general ticket price. Tower Hill Botanic Garden is at 11 French Drive, Boylston. For more information, including hours and admission fees, call 508-869-6111 or go to towerhillbg.org.

MUSIC AL FRESCO A series of three free outdoor band concerts by The Metropolitan Wind Symphony begins Thursday, July 14, and continues on July 21 and 28, at Hastings Park, Massachusetts Avenue and Worthen Road, in Lexington. All concerts begin at 7:30 p.m. The concerts will feature patriotic music and marches, show music, and traditional concert band selections. Audience members are encouraged to bring picnics, lawn chairs, and blankets; the grounds are open for picnicking from 6 p.m. on. For more information, go to www.mws-boston.org or call 978-419-1697.

LIBRARY CONCERT SERIES The Concord Free Public Library starts a bi-weekly series of outdoor concerts Wednesday, July 13, at 7 p.m. with the Mediterranean sounds of Newpoli. Other performances in the series will include reggae, calypso, and steel drum music with the Island Breeze Quartet on Wednesday, July 27, at 7 p.m. and Irish music with Matt and Shannon Heaton and Friends on Wednesday, Aug. 3, at 7 p.m. Concerts will be held on the library lawn at 129 Main St., Concord. In case of rain, the performance will be moved to The Umbrella, 40 Stow St., Concord. For more information, call 978-318-3300 or go to www.concordlibrary.org.

OLD-TIME WHEELS The Natick Community-Senior Center holds a celebration of classic cars on Saturday, July 16 (raindate July 23), from 9 a.m. to noon. Admission is free. Highlights include beautifully preserved or restored vehicles, from Model A Fords to muscle cars. The Natick Community-Senior Center is at 117 East Central St., Natick. For more information call 508-647-6540.

UP IN THE TREETOPS The long-popular Discovery Museums in Acton will hold an opening celebration for their newest addition, Discovery Woods, on Saturday, July 16, and Sunday, July 17, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., with music, food trucks, and free admission for children ages 12 and under. Located on the acres of woodlands surrounding the two Discovery Museums, Discovery Woods centers around a huge treehouse accessed by elevated trails with interactive sensory and observation stations along the way. Also amidst the forested acres surrounding the museum are a woodland nook, rain garden, birdhouse village, beaver lodge, and acres of adjoining forest, inviting children to explore, discover, create, and learn. One admission ticket covers both museums as well as Discovery Woods. Regular admission is $12.50 for children and adults; $11.50 for seniors; free for children under age 1. The Discovery Museums and Woods are at 177 Main St., Acton. For more information, call 978-264-4200 or go to www.discovery museums.org.

Send ideas to nancyswest@gmail.com.