WORKSHOP PLANTS THE SEED OF GARDENING ENTHUSIASM FOR PEOPLE LIVING WITH SIGHT LOSS

A dozen vision impaired people from the Norwich area have been introduced to the joys of gardening thanks to the enthusiasm and generosity of a city garden centre owner.

Tim Gee, who owns Mousehold Garden Centre, visited Vision Norfolk to lead a bulb-planting workshop designed to provide those living with sight loss with an insight into the wellbeing benefits of plants.

The group planted up a ‘lasagne pot’ – which contains layers of different bulbs and plants which thrive at different times, ensuring a continuing display as new plants replace those which are coming to an end – as well as a series of planters which will hang from railings outside Vision Norfolk’s Norwich hub in Beckham Place.

“People living with sight loss can experience isolation and other things which affect their wellbeing,” said Helen King, leisure and activities co-ordinator at Vision Norfolk.  “Gardening is a great way to nurture that wellbeing, and it is a social activity, as today’s workshop has shown.

“Our ‘Gardeneyes’ group undertakes a whole range of gardening activity, including visiting gardens around the county.  The beauty of plants is that they are not just about the visual aspect – factors like scent and touch come into play as well.”

That view was backed up by Tim Gee, who has owned Mousehold Garden Centre for over 40 years.  “Gardening is such a good activity for people with all levels of sight loss.  For those who have some sight, we can design plantings which match what they can see, which could be bright yellow, for example.

“For those with more limited vision, we can choose plants which have a strong scent, or which are very tactile.  There are even some plants which you can hear, such as the alium drumstick, which rattles in the wind and makes a surprisingly loud sound."

Anyone living with sight loss who is interested in discovering the joys of gardening can join Vision Norfolk’s Gardeneyes group, which meets throughout the year.  More details at www.visionnorfolk.org.uk/gardening.