Garden Paths for the Disabled

» thecat - fragrance gardens for the visually impaired

I am a member of a nonporift group in fort worth and we are interested in building a fragrance garden for a group home for the blind. We want to get suggestions for what to do and FOR WHAT NOT TO DO. Also, we want a water feature such as a shallow fountain that gurgles (for lack of a better word) and also want to encourage birds by the plantings and by having a purple martin house and other bird feeding areas.

We have a good idea of herbs, roses and other fragrance plants but don't want to reinvent the wheel when it comes to design features. Please share your first hand information and ideas. thanks

-- posted by thecat

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» Diana_Pederson - Garden for the Blind

Hi:

I suggest you contact your local audubon society about how to attract birds. I know your species are different from those in MI.

As to design, I'd be sure the path is perfectly smooth so those using a cane don't trip over cracks, etc. Also, how about a "rope" fence that a blind person could run their hands along to follow the path.

Do you plan on having braile labels made? If so, be sure to have the labels readable by the seeing too.

-- posted by Diana_Pederson

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» GreenThumb1 - Gardening for the Blind

I would strongly suggest that you contact your local Agricultural Center. Also, you might check and find out if there is a local Horticultural Therapy Association in your state. If not I am sure you would receive information from the National Horticultural Therapy Association. Right now, my books are loaned out or I would check in several of my references, but Gene Rothert has written a book called "The Enabling Garden" which I have found most helpful as a physically challenged person.

Recently at a demonstration at Epcot there was a special area called "the sensory garden." It was quite interesting because of the variety of textures and fragrances. Needless to say this was very popular with the butterflies which also delighted the visitors.

I wish you all of the best, you are certainly going to be blessed by the visually challenged as well as the sighted.

-- posted by GreenThumb1

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