A sensory garden has been planted in Harrogate town centre for visually impaired people.
Spenceley Gardens, which is opposite Waitrose on Station Parade, has been transformed as part of a joint initiative between Vision Support Harrogate District, RHS Harlow Carr and Harrogate Borough Council.
The garden encourages people with visual impairments to develop their sense of smell and touch and provides an area of relaxation for everyone.
The area has already been planted and is set to be in full bloom in time for an opening ceremony at the end of this month.
Ann Routledge, a volunteer at Vision Support, said lots of herbs and textured plants had been planted to allow the visually impaired to explore their other senses.
She said:
“The aim is to encourage wildlife, even though it’s next to a busy road, and give people a space to sit and reflect. Our members are very excited to use the space. I just think it’ll be great to have a space like this in the centre of town.”
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The charity, which has 400 members in the Harrogate district, offers support to anyone with a visual impairment.
It also hopes that having a garden in such a prominent location will raise awareness of the charity.
The area has been previously designated as a sensory garden but those involved in the project this time hope it will become more popular.
