Gardening In The Garden
I had an uncle who was blinded by gas in the First War. He trained through St. Dunstan’s and became a very successful physiotherapist.
He was a very lively character and would amuse us for hours with funny stories. He had a marvellous memory, and so many interests and you would not be aware of his blindness most of the time. When he retired he and my aunt bought a new house on the outskirts of the city, where they had a garden; their previous house in the town did not have one. They took great pride in this garden and my uncle became a very skilled gardener. He would do everything on his hands and knees and knew every plant by touch and smell. He grew Chrysanthemums which were very popular in Northern counties, there being many societies then devoted to the culture of ‘mums’. I was training at the time, and whenever I could I would cycle over to see my uncle and tell him the things that I was learning at college. I went one evening to see them and stayed awhile, I was helping my aunt do something and was sent to get my uncle in for his meal. He told me to look at his mums and tell me what I thought. By this time it had become completely dark, and I had to confess that I could not see the plants
at all. He just said “come on then let’s go in for tea”. It was then that it struck me what it was like to be blind and not be able to see the beautiful colours in the garden; I felt quite humbled, and have never forgotten that.
In public places it is a good idea to introduce plants that can benefit people with impaired senses. Often referred to as sensory gardens, this means growing plants that have particularly attractive scents. The double advantage being that powerful scented plants are attractive to bees and butterflies, Buddleja, Verbena bonariensis, and Nepetas are especially good at attracting insects, and Sedum specatabile (shown). Running water is essential to provide gentle sound, even
Running water is essential to provide gentle sound
small artificial fountains can give the effect, but if you have a natural stream so much the better. A background of tall bamboos provides enclosure and privacy but more importantly will rustle pleasantly in the wind, and the sound of wind chimes can be attractive.
Anything that will attract wild birds such as bird tables and baths will of course bring in the sounds of birds, so important to someone who cannot see. I saw this stone statue of a swan at
Abbotsbury which is a tactile object.
was also surrounded by powerfully scented herbaceous plants especially selected for their fragrances.
I have seen a number of so called gardens for the blind which may have had all the right qualities but were so bland as they had not incorporated enough colour in their landscaping. A sensory garden should be for everyone and so should incorporate plenty of colour as well.
It
by John Ladlow - professional gardener and Estate Manager for over 50 years
Powerful scented plants are attractive to bees and butterflies
34 The DIARY, JULY-AUG, 2013
Stone statue of a swan at Abbotsbury
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