An understanding and imaginative spirit has led to the planning and planting of scented gardens designed to give pleasure to the blind. Two that I have visited are at Hove and St. Leonards, Sussex, and it is good to see how they are appreciated.

In planning such gardens, the site should be sheltered but not under heavily overhanging trees. Access should be easy, and if steps are necessary in the design, handrails should be provided, continuously with the rails employed to go all round the garden. On these, braille labels are placed in front of the various groups of plants. It might be ideal to have guide-wires from the labels to the middle of the plants themselves. The plants are put on beds raised some 2-3 feet above ground- level, to be more readily enjoyed, where they can be brushed by hand to release their aroma.

Herbal BeautySeats in sheltered alcoves are provided, and around these scented flowers are planted, to waft their sweetness on the air. For this, stocks, Nicotiana, sweet peas (particularly the old-fashioned ones), briar, sweet and musk roses and pinks are delightful, with hyacinths, narcissus and wallflowers for spring.

The more intriguing aromas amongst plants would give special pleasure; also those with other associations. Amongst the latter, angelica, caraway (or, as more lasting, caraway thyme, T.herba-barona), lemon scents such as lemon thyme, lemon balm and lemon pelargonium, P.crispum, would be good choices; also eau-deCologne mint and peppermint.

Amongst curious and intriguing scents I would put wormwood, hyssop and rue; the minty, balsamic aroma of alecost, the oily scent of tansy and the wide range of rose-scented, nutmeg, true oak-leaf and other pelargoniums. Clary sage and bergamots would be indispensable. Scented plants in paths to be trodden— chamomile, thyme, burnet, pennyroyal—would give interest.

Such gardens would, of course, also give pleasure to sighted people, with reminiscent memories. One gathers from overheard conversation that there is on rare occasions an almost superhuman temptation from the pot-herbs, if visitors are canny cooks and have no gardens themselves !

Of course, quite a number of the ’straight’ culinary herbs—mint, ‘mace’, marjorams in variety, savory, tarragon and even sage are interesting and add variety to such a garden, perhaps with nostalgic reminders of banquets long past, or meals in the ’spacious days’.

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Scented Gardens for the Blind