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07
Jul 2022
Sensory garden with braille plaques opens in Harrogate
A sensory garden created purposefully for visually impaired people in Harrogate was officially opened today.
Spenceley Gardens on Station Parade in Harrogate was refurbished in a joint initiative between Harrogate Borough Council, RHS Garden Harlow Carr and Vision Support Harrogate District.
The gardens, which were originally created in 1973 after the land was gifted to the council by Alderman George Spenceley, has been planted with grasses and herbs to create a sensory area. Braille plaques have been installed to help visually impaired people identify the various plants.
Harrogate borough mayor, Councillor Victoria Oldham and deputy lord-lieutenant Simon Mackness opened the site today.
Councillor Sam Gibbs, the council’s cabinet member for environment, waste reduction and recycling, said:
The new garden was designed by Phil Keesing and planted by a team of horticulturists from RHS Harlow Carr with the support of students, following funding from local resident Patricia Swallow.
A new sign for the garden has also been designed and provided by Vision Support Harrogate.
Herbs in the garden include sage, rosemary, thyme and southernwood.
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Paul Cook, curator at RHS Garden Harlow Carr said:
Who was George Spenceley?
Nick, Julian and Adrian Spenceley, grandchildren of George Spenceley, said in a statement:
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